Rivian Enhances Rear Door Manual Release for Improved Safety in R2 SUV
In response to growing concerns over the accessibility of manual door releases in vehicles with electronic door handles, Rivian has implemented significant design changes in its upcoming R2 SUV to enhance passenger safety during emergencies.
Front Door Mechanism:
The R2’s front doors maintain a design consistent with Rivian’s existing R1 models. They feature an electronic button for standard operation and a manual door-release latch discreetly positioned at the front part of the interior handle. This design ensures that, in the event of electronic failure, occupants can easily locate and operate the manual release without confusion.
Rear Door Enhancements:
The most notable improvements are found in the rear doors. In previous R1 models, accessing the manual release required passengers to remove a panel to reach a concealed release cord. This design was criticized for being cumbersome and potentially hazardous in urgent situations.
Addressing these concerns, Rivian has repositioned the rear door manual release in the R2 SUV. The release cord is now located at the front of the interior handle, mirroring the placement in the front doors. Although it remains behind a small plastic cover that needs to be popped out, this new location is more intuitive and accessible, reducing the time and effort required to operate the manual release during emergencies.
Visual Demonstration:
A recent video by Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything provides a clear illustration of the new rear door manual release mechanism. While the video does not show the cord being pulled, it effectively demonstrates the steps passengers need to take to access the release in situations where the electronic door function is compromised.
Safety Implications:
The redesign of the manual release mechanism is a proactive measure by Rivian to enhance passenger safety. In scenarios such as major crashes where electronic systems may fail, the ability to quickly and easily operate manual door releases can be life-saving. By making these releases more accessible, Rivian aims to reduce the risk of passengers being trapped inside the vehicle during critical moments.
Industry Context:
Rivian’s initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards improving the accessibility of manual door releases in vehicles equipped with electronic handles. Other manufacturers, notably Tesla, have faced scrutiny over the placement and accessibility of their manual releases. Bloomberg News reported at least 15 fatalities in crashes where occupants were unable to exit vehicles due to inaccessible manual releases. This has prompted a reevaluation of door design across the automotive industry to prioritize safety and user-friendliness.
Conclusion:
Rivian’s redesign of the rear door manual release in the R2 SUV underscores the company’s commitment to passenger safety and responsiveness to consumer feedback. By aligning the design of the rear door releases with those of the front doors and making them more accessible, Rivian addresses a critical safety concern and sets a positive example for the industry. As the R2 SUV approaches production, these enhancements are expected to provide occupants with greater confidence in their ability to exit the vehicle swiftly and safely in emergency situations.
