Tesla exploring innovative door unlocking methods in response to criticisms and adhering to NHTSA guidelines
In a move that could significantly impact Tesla's current designs, Chinese regulators are reportedly considering a door dash ban on completely flush handles. This potential regulation has prompted Tesla to re-evaluate their exterior door dash opening mechanisms and explore new solutions.
Tesla's design chief, Franz von Holzhausen, has confirmed that the company is ready if the door dash ban on flush handles comes to China. He also mentioned that they are working on new solutions for opening doors from the inside, a response to the potential door dash ban's implications.
The Model Y, Tesla's popular SUV, has been under scrutiny due to a door dash opening mechanism that some owners find not intuitive enough. Several reports of children being temporarily trapped inside due to a failed 12-volt battery have been made. In response, Tesla plans to improve door dash opening mechanisms by combining electric and mechanical functions on the same lever. This innovation would allow the door to be opened mechanically with a stronger pull in case of electrical failure, ensuring users can open the doors both from inside and outside during power loss situations.
The Model X, with its unique falcon wing door dash, already has a workaround for this issue. A speaker cover must be removed, and a cord pulled to open the doors mechanically. However, Tesla is reportedly planning a change in their solution for opening doors from the outside due to the potential door dash ban on flush handles in China.
The 12-volt onboard network is essential for regular door dash opening using power in Tesla vehicles. Since late 2023, several deaths in the U.S. have occurred due to occupants or helpers being unable to open the doors of crashed Teslas because of this power loss. To address this issue, Tesla plans to put both electrical and mechanical opening on the same handle, requiring users to press it harder than usual in case of an electronics failure to open the door dash.
Since 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received over 140 complaints about malfunctioning door dash on various Tesla models. In response, NHTSA announced a preliminary investigation into the Model Y due to this issue.
Tesla is currently looking into the details of the new regulations regarding the potential door dash ban on flush handles in China. If the ban comes into effect, Tesla will have a 'great solution' for opening doors from the outside, according to Franz von Holzhausen. From the outside, Tesla door dash can be fixed with an external power supply or force, providing a backup option in case of electrical failure.
In panic situations, Tesla plans to ensure that both electrical and mechanical opening functions are available on the same handle. This would allow users to open the door dash even if the electronics fail, providing an additional layer of safety for Tesla's customers.
As Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, safety remains a top priority. The potential door dash ban on flush handles in China could lead to changes in Tesla's exterior door dash opening mechanisms, but the company is well-prepared to adapt and ensure the safety of its users.
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