Tesla is redesigning its electronic door handles amid a safety investigation into incidents where the mechanisms trapped occupants inside vehicles, according to the company’s design chief Franz von Holzhausen.
In an interview with Bloomberg, von Holzhausen explained that the update will merge the electronic and manual door-release systems into a single button, replacing the current setup where the mechanisms are located separately. This change aims to make the handles “more intuitive for occupants in a panic situation,” as the current design can be less intuitive during emergencies.
The redesign is a direct response to a probe launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which follows reports from Tesla owners who were unable to open doors from the outside using the inoperative flush handles, particularly in urgent scenarios like removing children from the vehicle.
Tesla is also closely monitoring potential regulatory shifts in China, where authorities are considering a ban on fully concealed door handles. Von Holzhausen assured Bloomberg that the company will have a “really good solution” for any such changes, which could necessitate further updates to the flush door handle design.
These developments highlight Tesla’s efforts to address safety concerns and adapt to global regulations while maintaining its signature aesthetic features.
