Rivian Planning Door Redesign to Address Safety Concerns

Core Insights - Rivian is considering a redesign of the door handle for its next-generation vehicle, the R2, which is set to go into production in the first half of next year [1] - The redesign focuses on the manual latch or release mechanism that passengers would need to use if the electric system loses power, addressing safety concerns raised about the current R1 model [1][3] Design Changes - The current design of the manual release for the R1 has been criticized for being located in an inaccessible area of the rear doors, making it difficult for users to find in emergencies [2] - Rivian staff have acknowledged that the design changes made in the R1 may pose a potential safety risk, as the cable release is not intuitive to locate during an emergency [3] Internal Acknowledgment - There is an internal recognition among Rivian's engineering teams and executives that the design changes implemented in the R1 were a mistake, prompting the need for revisions in the upcoming R2 model [4]