The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and technologies shaping the future of transportation. One such trend that has caught the attention of regulators and consumers alike is the use of electronic door handles in electric vehicles. While these futuristic features may have seemed innovative at first, recent reports of safety concerns and malfunctions have raised questions about their practicality.
Regulators in both the US and China are now scrutinizing the use of hidden, electronic door handles in electric vehicles, citing safety issues that could potentially hinder emergency exits or rescue operations. Tesla, a pioneer in reimagining traditional automotive design, is under particular scrutiny for its door handles that may fail to open when the power is off. This has sparked a probe by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into approximately 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars from the 2021 model year.
The potential ban on hidden door handles and the safety implications raised by regulators signal a possible shift in the industry towards more conventional door handle designs. Volkswagen, for instance, is taking a step back to move forward by reintroducing physical buttons and traditional door handles in its latest electric vehicle models. This move is part of a larger strategy to make EVs more likable and accessible to a wider audience, moving away from the futuristic designs that have dominated the market in recent years.
In a surprising turn of events, a recent study by Thatcham Research found that repairing gigacasted components in electric vehicles can actually save money compared to traditional repair methods. The study focused on rear-end impacts of EVs, specifically the Tesla Model Y, and concluded that gigacasting repair procedures were more cost-effective in both partial and full component replacement scenarios.
As the automotive industry continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the debate over the design of electric vehicles rages on. Should EVs look less like spaceships and more like traditional cars to appeal to a broader audience? Manufacturers like Volkswagen are already exploring this approach with designs that harken back to their heritage while incorporating modern technology. The future of EV design may lie in finding a balance between innovation and familiarity, striking a chord with both early adopters and mainstream consumers.