Tesla looks to alter tower mechanism following reported issues
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into door lock problems on Tesla's Model Y compact SUV from the 2021 model year. Preliminary findings suggest that the problem may be caused by the door locks not receiving power. Under normal circumstances, the doors of the Tesla Model Y open electrically. However, in the event of a power failure, occupants must locate and operate mechanical door openers, which can be hidden behind door panels or under seats, making them difficult to find. This has raised concerns about the safety of the Tesla Model Y, particularly in emergency situations. Tesla has designed several million-selling models with hidden exterior door handles and an interior button for opening. The company's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, believes this design makes doors more intuitive to open in panic situations. However, the investigation has highlighted instances where parents were unable to open the doors to retrieve children from the back seat, and in four of the nine cases under investigation, the parents had to break the windows. To open the doors from the outside, 12-volt power from an external source must be connected to two specific points, as emphasized by the NHTSA. Rescue workers have reported difficulties reaching occupants in accidents involving vehicle fires due to the hidden mechanical door openers. Tesla is working on improving the accessibility of these mechanical door openers. The modification involves combining electronic and mechanical locking systems into one button, aiming to address criticism and regulatory investigations concerning door accessibility in emergency situations. The new design is expected to make Tesla's vehicles safer in emergency situations. The investigation is focused on the Tesla Model Y from the 2021 model year. Tesla is modifying its electric vehicles to make door locks more accessible in emergency situations, as part of an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers. The designer mentioned in the Bloomberg podcast regarding the improvement of emergency exit options for Tesla doors is Franz von Holzhausen. The NHTSA's investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected in due course. The company has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the investigation, but it has been reported that Tesla is cooperating fully with the NHTSA's enquiries.
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