Tesla is redesigning its electronic door handles amid an ongoing safety investigation into incidents where the flush-mounted mechanisms have trapped occupants inside vehicles. The changes aim to enhance usability during emergencies, according to Tesla’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. This replaces the current setup, where the mechanisms are located separately, making them less intuitive in panic situations. He emphasized the goal of making the handles “more intuitive for occupants in a panic situation.”
The redesign appears to be a direct response to a probe launched this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation 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.
Additionally, Tesla is 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.
