Tesla Redesigns Door Handles After Safety Probe, Bloomberg Reports
▼ Summary
– Tesla is redesigning its door handles to prevent people from being trapped inside its cars, as announced by chief designer Franz von Holzhausen.
– The redesign follows an NHTSA probe and a Bloomberg investigation that highlighted instances of occupants being stuck after crashes.
– Two main issues with Tesla’s current handles are electronic locks that fail without power and manual releases that are hard to find and access.
– Von Holzhausen suggested combining electronic and manual releases into one button as a solution currently being worked on.
– NHTSA received nine complaints about door handle failures, with four cases requiring broken windows for exit, despite Tesla’s manual instructions for external power activation.
Tesla is actively developing a redesigned door handle system aimed at improving safety and preventing occupants from becoming trapped inside its vehicles, according to recent statements from the company’s chief designer. This move follows growing scrutiny from regulators and public concern over the functionality of the automaker’s signature door handles during emergency situations.
The announcement came just one day after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated a formal probe into Tesla’s door handle mechanisms. That investigation was prompted in part by a series of incidents where drivers and passengers reported being unable to exit their cars after collisions or electrical failures. In several cases, individuals were forced to break windows to escape.
Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen indicated that Tesla is exploring ways to merge electronic and manual release systems into a single, more intuitive mechanism. He emphasized that combining these functions into one button would simplify operation and enhance reliability. While the exact timeline for implementation remains unclear, the redesign effort reflects a responsive approach to emerging safety feedback.
A central issue with the current design involves the electronic locks, which rely on power from the vehicle’s battery. If the electrical system fails, such as after an accident, the doors may not unlock through normal means. Although Tesla vehicles include manual releases, these are often poorly marked and challenging to locate in high-stress scenarios, compounding the risk during emergencies.
The NHTSA has received multiple complaints from Tesla owners detailing door handle failures. In nearly half of these reports, individuals resorted to breaking glass to exit their vehicles. While Tesla’s manuals provide guidance on using external power sources to reactivate electronic locks, many drivers were unaware of the underlying issue, as no low-battery warnings were displayed.
This development occurs against a backdrop of international attention on concealed door handles. Chinese regulators have already encouraged automakers to reconsider such designs, though no mandatory changes have been enacted. Tesla’s willingness to revisit this element of its design language signals a broader industry shift toward prioritizing practical safety alongside aesthetic innovation.
(Source: TechCrunch)
