Tesla is actively working on redesigning its door handles to prevent occupants from becoming trapped inside their vehicles, as confirmed by Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen in a recent interview with Bloomberg News. This development follows a series of safety concerns and regulatory investigations into the functionality of Tesla’s door handles.
Background and Catalyst for Redesign
The decision to revamp the door handle design comes shortly after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into Tesla’s door handles. This probe was prompted by nine complaints from Tesla owners who reported failures with the door handles, with four instances requiring occupants to break windows to exit the vehicle. Additionally, a Bloomberg News investigation highlighted multiple cases where individuals were unable to exit their cars following accidents due to door handle malfunctions.
Design Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Tesla’s current door handles utilize electronic locks that can become inoperative if the vehicle’s battery system loses power. While manual door releases are integrated into Tesla vehicles, they are often difficult to locate and access, especially in emergency situations. Von Holzhausen acknowledged these issues and suggested a unified solution: The idea of combining the electronic one and the manual one together into one button, I think, makes a lot of sense. That’s something that we’re working on.
Regulatory and International Perspectives
The NHTSA’s investigation underscores the importance of reliable egress mechanisms in vehicles. The agency noted that none of the owners who reported issues received low-voltage battery warnings, indicating a lack of awareness about potential power failures affecting door functionality. Internationally, China has been urging automakers to reconsider the use of fully concealed door handles due to safety concerns, although no definitive regulatory actions have been taken.
Tesla’s Response and Future Outlook
Tesla has included instructions in its owner’s manuals on how to use an external power source to activate electronic door locks in the event of a power failure. However, the recent incidents and regulatory scrutiny have prompted the company to proactively address these safety concerns through design improvements. The timeline for the implementation of the redesigned door handles has not been specified, but Tesla’s commitment to enhancing vehicle safety is evident.
Conclusion
The redesign of Tesla’s door handles is a critical step toward ensuring occupant safety and addressing regulatory concerns. By integrating electronic and manual release mechanisms into a single, accessible button, Tesla aims to prevent situations where individuals are trapped inside their vehicles due to door handle malfunctions. This initiative reflects Tesla’s ongoing efforts to innovate and prioritize safety in its vehicle designs.
