Tesla Considers Hybrid Door Mechanism Following Reports of trapped Passengers, Rescue Challenges
PALO ALTO, CA – Tesla is evaluating a combined electronic and manual door release system for its vehicles, following reports of occupants becoming trapped – sometimes requiring broken windows for escape – and difficulties faced by rescuers in emergency situations. The move comes after investigations highlighted safety concerns related to the electric vehicle manufacturer’s door designs.
Numerous Tesla owners have reported being unable to exit thier vehicles after children inadvertently activated child safety locks, according to complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Governance (NHTSA). A Bloomberg investigation uncovered 140 cases of individuals stuck inside teslas due to malfunctioning door handles, with several resulting in injuries.
Tesla’s head of design, Franz von Holzhausen, stated on a recent podcast that the company is exploring integrating a manual release alongside the existing electronic systems. “The idea of combining an electronic and manual mechanism into one button seems meaningful to me,” he said in an interview with Bloomberg’s Hot Pursuit podcast.”We’re just working on that.”
Currently, Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles feature sliding door handles, while Models 3 and Y utilize mechanically extending handles activated by pressing. However, if these mechanisms fail – especially after an accident causing power loss – occupants must rely on a manual unlocking feature inside the vehicle.
Bloomberg’s reporting detailed instances where passengers died or sustained severe burns in post-accident fires as rescuers were unable to promptly open the doors. The location of the manual unlocking buttons can be arduous to locate, especially for children or unfamiliar passengers during an emergency.
It remains unclear whether Tesla intends to retrofit existing vehicles or implement the hybrid system solely in future models, with the company acknowledging that modifying older designs could prove challenging.
