Tesla is currently in the process of redesigning its electronic door handles to address safety concerns raised by drivers and regulators. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s design chief, recently revealed to Bloomberg that the company is working on a new door-release design that aims to improve operability in emergency situations.
The new design will involve combining the electronic and manual door release functions into a single button, making it easier for occupants to exit the vehicle quickly in a panic situation. This move comes in response to reports received by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding instances where Tesla’s electronic door handles failed to open the car during emergencies, including cases where children were trapped inside.
NHTSA recently opened a preliminary investigation into the safety of Tesla’s door handles, particularly focusing on the 2021 Tesla Model Y. The agency is looking into whether the lack of a mechanical backup for the electronic door handles poses a safety risk for occupants. Issues with the door handles have been attributed to a lack of power from the 12-volt battery, although drivers did not report receiving any low-voltage warnings.
The investigation by NHTSA and Tesla’s efforts to redesign the door handles come in the wake of a Bloomberg report highlighting cases of occupants being trapped inside Tesla vehicles following accidents. The agency is evaluating the functionality of the exterior door handles, which lack a manual backup, as a potential safety concern. Tesla’s interior door releases, which von Holzhausen mentioned as the focus of the redesign, have also been identified as problematic, especially in emergency situations where occupants or first responders struggle to locate or operate the releases.
While Tesla is not the only automaker using electronic door handle systems, the Chinese government is reportedly considering a ban on flush-mounted electronic door handles without a mechanical backup. This global scrutiny underscores the importance of ensuring that vehicle door handles are easy to operate and provide a reliable means of exit in emergency situations.
As Tesla works on implementing the new door-release design, it remains to be seen how this update will enhance the safety and usability of its vehicles. Stay tuned for further developments as Tesla continues to prioritize the safety and convenience of its customers.