Rivian Redesigns R2 SUV Door Handles Amid Safety Concerns
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is revamping the door handle design on its upcoming R2 SUV after employees and customers raised safety concerns, according to Bloomberg News. The change comes as part of a broader wave of scrutiny around electronic door handles in the automotive industry.
Timeline:
Rivian's redesign aims to address issues with electronically-latched door handles, which have been criticized for hiding manual emergency releases in hard-to-reach locations. This design flaw has led to several high-profile incidents, including Tesla owners getting stuck in their vehicles due to inaccessible manual releases. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla's electronic latches earlier this year.
Immediate Impact:
Rivian's redesign places the interior manual releases in a more visible location, closer to the electrically-powered door handles. This change is expected to improve safety and reduce the risk of passengers getting trapped in the vehicle.
Background Context:
The shift towards electronically-latched door handles has been a trend in the automotive industry over the past few years, driven by design considerations and aerodynamic benefits. However, this design choice has raised concerns about accessibility and safety.
What's Next:
As Rivian prepares to launch the R2 SUV next year, the company's redesign of its door handles serves as a cautionary tale for other automakers. The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in vehicle design, particularly when it comes to critical features like emergency releases. As the industry continues to evolve, manufacturers will need to balance innovation with safety considerations to ensure that their vehicles meet the highest standards.
Note: This article is based on confirmed information from Bloomberg News and does not include any speculative or unsubstantiated claims.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Techcrunch reporting.*
