Rivian Reconsiders Door Design Following Tesla's Safety Issues Highlighting Flaws | Carscoops

      The decision follows numerous tragic incidents involving individuals trapped in Tesla electric vehicles.

      Recent reports indicate that Rivian is redesigning the rear door handles on the forthcoming R2 model. The manual and electric releases may be positioned closer together for better visibility.

      Tesla has faced similar scrutiny as victims struggled to escape from burning cars.

      Door handles have received significant attention recently, with rising concerns that some may not be user-friendly in emergencies. Most discussions have centered around Tesla, with various reports of people being trapped in vehicles ablaze.

      This is a horrific way to die, and Tesla's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, recently stated that his team is developing new door handles that will be simpler to operate in a "panic situation." While specific details are unclear, the new handles are expected to combine electronic and mechanical release mechanisms.

      Improving Door Accessibility

      This change would greatly enhance safety, as opening the rear doors of a Model Y without power is not straightforward. The owner manual states, "At the bottom of the rear door pocket, there is a slot in front of the release cover." Rear seat passengers must slide their finger into the slot to remove the cover and then pull the mechanical release cable.

      This process is far from simple, especially in an emergency scenario. Moreover, back seat passengers are often children or individuals unfamiliar with the vehicle.

      Rethinking Door Designs for the R2

      Tesla isn’t the only manufacturer reconsidering door handle designs, as Bloomberg reports that Rivian is also making changes following concerns raised by employees and customers. As part of this overhaul, the company may place a manual release nearer to the electric door releases on the R2's rear doors, making them "clearly visible."

      This represents a significant alteration, as the R2 is believed to have a similar design to the R1 and Model Y, which requires passengers to "remove an unlabeled panel and pull a release cord."

      When asked for a statement, Rivian told the publication that "safety is at the center of everything we do at Rivian, and R2 is no different." They emphasized that the upcoming electric crossover "will meet or exceed all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including passenger egress from all doors in the event of a crash or emergency."

      A Regulatory Concern

      Nonetheless, the risks posed by non-intuitive and concealed manual door releases are increasingly evident as the number of incidents rises. This has prompted the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety to advocate for changes.

      As Michael Brooks informed Bloomberg, "The lack of federal safety regulations in this area means manufacturers aren't mandated to standardize vehicle emergency exit functions, placing the responsibility on consumers to familiarize themselves with the various emergency escape configurations for every car they ride in."