New US safety rules may be introduced due to Tesla door handles

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is beginning to develop new requirements for automakers to ensure that drivers and passengers can safely exit their vehicles. According to Bloomberg, this initiative was prompted by a series of accidents, including fatal ones, involving electronic door handles used in modern electric vehicles like Tesla. This is reported by Techcrunch.com reports .

The process of developing new rules began in response to a complaint and petition regarding the emergency mechanical release mechanism in 2022 Tesla Model 3 vehicles. The authors of the petition argued that this design does not meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. The NHTSA concluded that it is more appropriate to revise general rules for the entire industry rather than investigating defects in a specific model.

Risks of electronic system failures

Currently, many electric vehicles, particularly Tesla models, use flush electronic handles. However, Bloomberg investigations have shown that in the event of an accident or a voltage drop in the battery system, these electronic locks may fail. This leads to people being trapped inside the vehicle and complicates rescue operations.

According to NHTSA data, nine incidents involving Tesla doors have previously been investigated. In some cases, drivers could not enter the car, and at other times, young children were locked inside the cabin. Although Tesla vehicles have an additional mechanical release option, they are often hidden, and passengers may not be able to find them in an emergency.

Industry changes and manufacturer response

If the NHTSA adopts new standards, all automakers will be required to comply with them. This will affect not only Tesla but also other brands using similar technology. For example, Rivian has announced that it will move the mechanical release handle to a more visible location closer to the electronic button in its new R2 SUV model.

Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen also mentioned last year that the company is working on redesigning its door handles. Experts believe that aesthetics and aerodynamics in automotive design should not take precedence over safety. The new rules will serve to restore this balance.

The start of the rule-making process does not mean they will come into effect immediately. The NHTSA is expected to analyze all risks and determine the most optimal and safe solutions for manufacturers. Given that Tesla and other modern electric vehicles are becoming popular in the Uzbekistan market, these safety issues are also relevant for local consumers.