Rivian May Redesign Doors Following Tesla Cybertruck Lawsuit Fallout: Heightened Scrutiny on Electronic Handles
Automakers’ pursuit of sleek, aerodynamic designs has led to a widespread adoption of electronic door handles, replacing traditional mechanical latches. While these designs offer aesthetic and efficiency benefits, they have also introduced significant safety concerns, especially regarding emergency egress. Rivian is reportedly redesigning its interior door layout for the upcoming R2 SUV in response to these growing concerns, a move that comes amidst heightened scrutiny on door handle design, particularly after a lawsuit involving Tesla’s Cybertruck and a major recall by Ford for its Mustang Mach-E.
A Growing Concern Around Electronic Door Handles
The shift towards electronic door handles has been a steady trend in the automotive industry over the past decade. While they contribute to cleaner aesthetics and improved aerodynamics, the hidden or difficult-to-locate manual emergency releases raise critical questions about how quickly occupants can exit a vehicle during an emergency.
- Rivian’s Response: Rivian is proactively addressing these concerns for its R2 SUV, set to launch next year. Following employee and customer feedback, the company is revising its interior door layout to position manual releases closer to the powered handles in a more visible and accessible spot, as reported by Bloomberg.
The Cybertruck Lawsuit and Its Fallout
The issue of electronic door handle safety has been brought into sharp focus by a lawsuit against Tesla following a fatal Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, California, late last year.
- Fatal Incident: According to Automotive News, a Cybertruck traveling over 80 mph left the road, collided with a tree and a retaining wall, and subsequently caught fire. Three occupants tragically died of smoke inhalation, while a fourth passenger was rescued after a friend broke a window.
- Design Flaws Alleged: Families of two victims are suing Tesla, arguing that design flaws in the Cybertruck’s doors contributed to the fatalities. The Cybertruck uses small buttons near the windows for exterior door opening, and its interior manual releases are reportedly difficult to find.
- Reinforced Materials: Plaintiffs also contend that Tesla’s reinforced glass and stainless-steel doors made escape or rescue attempts significantly harder. The lawsuit alleges that Tesla was aware of these problematic design elements but chose to ignore them. Trials for the suit are scheduled to begin in 2027.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall
Tesla is not the only automaker facing challenges with electronic door latches. Ford recently issued a recall for nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers in the United States, with an additional 120,000 units affected abroad.
- Recall Cause: Filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that a weak 12-volt battery could cause the doors to remain locked after being shut. In some critical cases, the cars would not unlock even after being jump-started.
- Safety Risks: Ford acknowledged that this problem could trap passengers inside or prevent access to children left in the vehicle. A concerning report emerged of a baby stuck in a Mach-E for nearly 40 minutes before being freed.
- Resolution: Ford has issued a stop-sale order for affected vehicles and plans to address the issue with a software update.
These incidents highlight the complex balance automakers must strike between innovative design, technological advancements, and fundamental safety and usability requirements in the era of electronic vehicle controls. The industry, led by brands like Rivian, is now re-evaluating these designs to ensure that sleek aesthetics do not come at the cost of occupant safety.
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