Tesla is proactively addressing safety concerns by developing a redesigned door release mechanism intended to simplify operation, particularly in emergency situations. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, recently shared details with Bloomberg about this initiative, emphasizing the company’s commitment to improving vehicle safety and user experience. This move comes amid increased scrutiny over the functionality of Tesla’s electronic door handles, with the aim of making emergency exits more intuitive and reliable.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles, focusing on whether they pose a safety defect. This investigation was triggered by reports indicating that these handles may fail to operate correctly in emergencies, potentially trapping occupants inside the vehicle. The probe specifically targets 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles, following complaints about the exterior door handles failing to open, sometimes with children inside. The NHTSA’s concerns are centered on situations where a loss of power from the 12-volt battery could disable the electronic release mechanism, leaving occupants reliant on a manual backup that may be difficult to locate or operate, especially for children. Both NHTSA and Bloomberg have highlighted interior door releases as an area of concern.
Tesla’s proposed redesign aims to integrate the electronic door release button with the mechanical backup latch into a single, more intuitive lever. According to Franz von Holzhausen, this combined mechanism will leverage “muscle memory,” allowing occupants to instinctively access the mechanical release by simply pulling the lever a bit further. The goal is to ensure that in a panic situation, occupants can quickly and reliably open the doors, regardless of whether the electronic system is functioning. This design change reflects a focus on simplifying the user interface to enhance safety and ease of use. The existing Tesla models often have backup manual releases, they can be difficult for children to access or operate.
The scrutiny of electronic door handles extends beyond the United States. The Chinese government is reportedly considering a ban on flush-mounted electronic door handles that lack a mechanical backup, indicating a global trend towards stricter safety regulations for vehicle door systems. This potential ban reflects concerns that purely electronic systems may fail in critical situations, necessitating a reliable mechanical alternative. Tesla is actively working to address these international regulations, with von Holzhausen stating that the company is examining the details of the Chinese rules and developing a solution that meets these requirements. Tesla isn’t alone in using these kinds of systems.
