Tesla(US:TSLA) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-12-23 12:20Core Viewpoint - Regulatory agencies across three continents are reviewing the safety of electric vehicle doors due to concerns about potential design flaws that may prevent owners from opening doors or lead to occupants being trapped inside. This scrutiny has forced the company to confront the consequences of a decision made nearly a decade ago [1][12]. Design and Engineering Decisions - In early 2016, the design and engineering team was finalizing the Model 3, which aimed to transform the company from a niche high-end electric vehicle manufacturer to the world's most valuable automaker. The method of door operation was a significant unresolved issue during development [3][14]. - During discussions, some engineers advocated for mechanical door handles due to safety concerns with electric control systems, especially after numerous consumer complaints regarding the Model X SUV's door sensor failures. However, the CEO insisted on an electric control system for all components, including doors, to achieve a simplified, software-driven design [3][14]. Safety Concerns and Regulatory Actions - Years later, the risks associated with the initial design choices have become apparent. The doors are powered by a low-voltage battery that can fail in collisions, hindering rescue efforts and potentially trapping occupants inside. Reports indicate that there have been multiple serious incidents resulting in fatalities due to door failures [4][16]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received hundreds of consumer complaints and is currently investigating the company. Regulatory bodies in China are considering banning hidden door handles, while European regulators are prioritizing the development of regulations for electric vehicle doors [4][16]. Investigation Findings - A Bloomberg investigation revealed at least 12 accidents in the past decade in the U.S. where door functionality failures led to 15 deaths, primarily occurring when Tesla vehicles caught fire after collisions, preventing occupants or rescuers from opening the doors [5][16]. - The company has stated that its products comply with relevant regulations and emphasized its vehicles' strong performance in crash tests. The board chair has expressed a serious approach to any safety incidents [5][16]. Design Revisions and Future Plans - The company is reportedly redesigning the door handles to combine electric and mechanical unlocking mechanisms, allowing for more intuitive operation in emergencies [5][16]. - The decision to use electric door controls was not solely aesthetic; it also aimed to reduce the number of parts, thereby lowering production costs. The company had promised that the Model 3 would be priced at about half of its existing models [5][16]. Ergonomics and User Experience - From a design perspective, electric doors offer ergonomic advantages, with controls positioned where drivers naturally reach, making them more user-friendly compared to traditional mechanical locks [6][17]. - However, the mechanical unlocking devices have faced criticism for their lack of clear labeling and varying installation locations across models, making them difficult to access, especially for children, the elderly, or disabled individuals [7][18]. Minimalist Philosophy - The CEO's rejection of traditional door handles aligns with his broader minimalist philosophy, which emphasizes questioning every requirement and eliminating unnecessary components. This approach has sometimes led to unintended consequences, as seen in the removal of certain controls in newer models [19][20]. - The company has acknowledged that all door-related issues are common across the industry, yet it continues to explore improvements, such as automatic unlocking in low battery situations [20][21].