Getting out of a car quickly during an emergency, such as a crash, power failure, or submersion, is one of the most important safety factors in modern vehicle design. However, as more electric vehicles rely on electronic door latches instead of traditional mechanical handles, the need for a clearly accessible manual override has become critical.

Tesla has faced numerous complaints over the years for making its manual door releases too hidden or confusing, especially for passengers who need to exit the vehicle fast. Now, Rivian seems to be facing a similar issue with its R1 series of vehicles, which includes the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Reports suggest that Rivian is taking those complaints seriously and will address them before launching its next-generation models.

The Problem With Current Electric Door Handles

Electric door handles may look sleek and futuristic, but they come with one major drawback: when the vehicle loses power, the doors can’t open using the regular electronic controls. This makes a manual release essential.

Manufacturers like Chevrolet and Tesla have struggled to make these manual releases both aesthetic and practical. In many vehicles, the emergency release is small, hidden under panels, or designed to blend into the door’s trim. While this looks neat, it can be confusing in high-stress moments when drivers or passengers need to escape quickly.

In Rivian’s case, the rear-door manual release in the R1 series has been criticized for being difficult to locate and use. Owners have discovered that they need to remove an unlabeled panel and pull a hidden cord, a process explained deep in the owner’s manual, on page 422, to be exact. That’s hardly something someone could do in a panic. Check More Photos

By contrast, the front doors of the R1 series already have a more visible manual release, which has been considered a better design.

Rivian’s Plan for Safer Door Handle Design

According to a Bloomberg report, Rivian is now taking steps to fix this issue in its upcoming R2 series of vehicles. The company plans to redesign its interior door handles so that the manual release is easier to locate and operate.

While Rivian hasn’t released detailed images or official descriptions yet, the report suggests that the manual handle will now be positioned near the main electronic handle, allowing passengers to reach it more naturally in emergencies. This change will make the R2’s rear doors more like the R1’s front doors in terms of accessibility and visibility.

The updated handle design is expected to debut in the 2026 Rivian R2 electric SUV, which will serve as the company’s more affordable mid-size model.

Learning From Industry Mistakes

This move reflects a growing awareness in the electric vehicle industry about the importance of intuitive emergency design. When Tesla introduced its minimalist interior designs with hidden releases, it quickly became clear that aesthetics should never come at the cost of safety.

Even Chevrolet faced backlash during the early years of its C6 Corvette, which also used electronic door openers that confused drivers when power systems failed. These examples have become reminders that human-centered design is key, especially when lives could be on the line.

Rivian’s proactive response suggests that the company is listening to both its customers and its own internal design teams. Reports claim that Rivian staff themselves had raised concerns about the door handle layout during the R1’s development, prompting further discussions during the R2’s redesign phase.

Calls for Stricter Safety Standards

The debate over hidden door handles has now caught the attention of safety advocates. Many believe that federal safety standards should be updated to include clear rules for emergency manual door releases in electric vehicles.

While traditional cars have long required mechanical handles that open even when power is lost, newer EVs operate differently, and current safety laws haven’t fully caught up. Experts argue that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Congress should take a stronger stance on this issue, ensuring that all EV manufacturers meet consistent visibility and accessibility standards for manual releases.

Why This Matters for EV Owners

For electric vehicle owners, this change is more than just a minor design tweak; it’s a potential life-saving update. In emergencies such as:

• Electrical failures or short circuits
• Water damage or flooding
• Accidents where the battery power cuts off
  

Having a clearly marked, easy-to-use manual release can make all the difference.

Rivian’s decision to redesign its handles for better safety and usability could set a new standard across the industry, encouraging other automakers to revisit how they design emergency exits in their EVs.

What We Know About the Upcoming Rivian R2

While Rivian has not shown the final version of the R2 SUV’s interior, concept images hint that the company is leaving room within the door-pull pocket or armrest area for a more visible manual release lever.

The R2 lineup will likely follow Rivian’s adventure-ready style while offering simplified controls, improved safety features, and a more affordable price than the R1T and R1S. With this update, Rivian seems determined to prove that safety and smart design can coexist in electric vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Rivian’s move to redesign its interior door handles may seem like a small change, but it represents a major shift in EV safety thinking. As electric cars become more common, ensuring that drivers and passengers can exit quickly in the event of power loss is becoming an increasingly vital design challenge.Tesla may have been the first to face criticism for hidden emergency releases, but Rivian’s willingness to act and improve could help set a new benchmark for the entire industry. If the company delivers on this promise with the 2026 R2 SUV, it could help spark a new era of safer, smarter electric vehicle design.

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