In response to the growing concerns over the safety of Tesla’s electronic door handles, regulators are now taking action. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a defect investigation into whether door issues prevent people from getting into certain Tesla Model Y vehicles. Authorities in China and Europe are also considering rule changes to address the issue.
The investigation comes after a recent report by Bloomberg revealed that at least 15 deaths can be attributed to Tesla’s door handles. The report highlighted several fatal crashes in which occupants were unable to exit the vehicle after losing power. The problem lies in the inconsistency of the placement of manual door releases in Tesla vehicles, which can render them ineffective in an emergency scenario.
Tesla’s defense is that its cars meet all federal safety standards and that similar systems exist across the automotive industry. However, the company is considering changes to address the issue. Tesla’s design chief stated in September that the company is working on a redesign of its door handles to combine the electronic and manual door release mechanisms. One proposed solution is to engineer a way to disable the locks automatically when the battery voltage runs low and to release the doors in the moments leading up to the battery dying.
The growing number of complaints and fatalities related to Tesla’s door handles has prompted regulators to take action. The NHTSA has requested a detailed list of consumer complaints and reports involving crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires. The matter is now drawing attention globally, with authorities in China and Europe also looking into potential rule changes.
While electronic door handles are not unique to Tesla, the automaker’s dominance in the electric vehicle market magnifies the consequences when things go wrong. As the issue gains more attention, Tesla is under pressure to address the safety concerns surrounding its door handles and implement changes to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
DeMuro recently highlighted a 2022 Cybertruck that sold for just $63,500, a significant drop from the $72,000 asking price. This downward trend is concerning for those who have already purchased a Cybertruck, as it indicates that their vehicle may not hold its value as well as initially anticipated.
One possible explanation for this decline in value is the delay in production and delivery of new Cybertrucks. With production delays pushing back delivery dates, potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase a used Cybertruck when they can simply wait for a new one to become available.
Another factor contributing to the decrease in used Cybertruck prices is the increasing competition in the electric truck market. As more automakers announce their own electric trucks, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T, buyers have more options to choose from. This increased competition puts pressure on the Cybertruck’s resale value.
Overall, the declining value of used Cybertrucks is a concerning trend for both current owners and potential buyers. As the market continues to evolve and new electric trucks enter the scene, it will be interesting to see how Tesla responds to maintain the Cybertruck’s appeal and value.
The Tesla Cybertruck has been making waves in the electric vehicle market, with one model recently selling for just $61,000 on the site earlier this month. The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual-Motor AWD had just 19,900 miles on the odometer when it sold on December 8, excluding the 5% buyers fee. This price has led automotive enthusiast Doug DeMuro to believe that the value of the $80,000-plus electric pickup isn’t going to stabilize anytime soon.
DeMuro expressed his thoughts on the Cybertruck’s value on his podcast, stating, “They were cool for a year,” and predicting that the price would drop to $35,000 in 18 months. Electric vehicles are known to be sensitive to price fluctuations, especially premium-segmented vehicles like the Cybertruck. When combined with Tesla’s brand-specific depreciation, it creates an opportunity for a great deal for potential buyers.
The question now arises: is $35,000 enough to convince you to buy a Cybertruck? Despite any reservations about the vehicle’s unconventional design, it’s hard to deny that Tesla offers a compelling EV option. CEO Elon Musk’s reputation aside, buying a used Tesla is almost a no-brainer from a value perspective. A $35,000 Cybertruck would certainly be a tempting buy for anyone in the market for an electric pickup truck.