Rivian modified the rear door manual release mechanism on its R2 SUV. This change follows concerns regarding the accessibility of manual door releases in emergency situations, particularly with electronic door handles from various manufacturers.
The front doors of the R2 SUV use an electronic button for opening, similar to the existing R1 vehicles. A manual door-release latch is located within the front part of the interior handle for the front doors.
Rear doors on the R2 also feature an electronic button. The manual release for the rear doors differs from the R1 models. In R1 vehicles, a panel had to be removed to access a “release cord.” For the R2 SUV, the release cord is positioned similarly to the front seat manual releases, at the front of the handle. This cord is still concealed behind a plastic piece that requires removal.
Production of the R2 SUV has not yet commenced, and official instructions for accessing this release are not available. An image from a video by JerryRigEverything’s Zack Nelson illustrates the location of the release.
The manual release, while still behind plastic, is now in a more accessible location compared to its placement in the R1 models.
Other manufacturers have also addressed issues with electronic door latches. Tesla plans to alter its handle designs after Bloomberg News reported at least 15 crash-related deaths where occupants or rescuers reportedly could not open doors. Ford issued a recall last year for the Mustang Mach-E due to a power-delivery problem affecting its electronic door latches.
