Tesla Considers Amended Door Unlocking Methods in Response to Criticism and NHTSA Guidelines
Tesla Addresses DoorDash Issues and Potential Regulation Changes in China
Tesla, the leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is facing a potential change in regulations regarding door handles in China, and the company is taking steps to ensure compliance.
Regulators in China are reportedly preparing a ban on completely retractable door handles, a feature first seen on Tesla vehicles. This ban, if implemented, could affect Tesla and local competitors.
In response to this potential regulation, Tesla is reportedly working on a new solution for opening doors from the outside. The company plans to have a 'great solution' for this purpose when the new regulations come into effect.
The new solution involves putting both electrical and mechanical opening mechanisms on the same handle. This design allows the doors to be opened by pressing harder in case of electronics failure.
The need for this new solution arises from several incidents in the U.S. since late 2023, where occupants or helpers were unable to open the doors of crashed Teslas, resulting in several deaths.
Inside Tesla vehicles, mechanisms to open doors mechanically vary and can be complex. For instance, the Model X's rear falcon wings require the removal of a speaker cover and the pulling of a cord.
Tesla has also announced plans to improve the door mechanisms by updating software and redesigning hardware components. This move is aimed at addressing issues reported since 2018 in over 140 vehicles.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also taken notice, announcing a preliminary investigation into the Model Y due to children being temporarily trapped inside.
Tesla is aware of the door opening issues and is working on new solutions for opening from inside the vehicle as well. The company has not expressed any concerns about the potential ban on retractable handles in China.
Separate from the potential door handle changes due to Chinese regulations, Tesla is planning larger batteries for the Model 3 and Model Y this year. The company is also reportedly working on a longer Model Y L with six seats for China, and there is a possibility that Europe may follow suit.
In the event of a 12-volt battery failure, the Model Y has a non-intuitive solution for opening doors from the outside. The doors can be fixed with an external power supply or force.
Despite the challenges, Tesla remains committed to safety and compliance, and the company is looking into the details of the new regulations in China to ensure a smooth transition.
