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Rivian Defends R2’s Hidden Rear Door Release After Prototype Video Prompts Safety Questions

Safety advocates have questioned electronic latches after reported fatalities, sharpening focus on how easily rear passengers can escape in a power loss.

Overview

  • New footage from JerryRigEverything shows rear passengers must pop off a small trim piece to reach a pull-cord on R2 prototypes.
  • Rivian repositioned the rear manual release to the front of the interior handle to mirror the fronts, yet it remains concealed behind removable plastic.
  • Chief software officer Wassym Bensaid says the e‑latch retains power in crashes via redundant high‑voltage and 12‑volt systems and can auto‑unlock for features like child locks.
  • Bensaid characterized the manual cord as a service tool rather than something intended for passenger use in emergencies.
  • The R2 is still pre‑production with no official user instructions, the design could change before series production, and owners have posted hundreds of critical comments online.