Core Viewpoint - The potential safety hazards associated with hidden door handles have sparked global discussions and legal actions against Tesla due to a fatal accident involving a Model S vehicle [2][5]. Group 1: Legal and Regulatory Actions - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations from regulatory bodies in the U.S. due to safety concerns related to hidden door handles, particularly following a fatal accident where passengers were trapped in a burning vehicle [2]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's door handle design after receiving multiple complaints from Model Y owners regarding failures of the door handles due to low-voltage battery issues [3]. - NHTSA has requested Tesla to submit records related to the door handle systems of specific Model Y and Model 3 vehicles by December 10, with potential fines of up to $140 million for non-compliance [3]. Group 2: Design Changes and Industry Response - Tesla's design chief has indicated that the company will modify the design of the door handles in response to safety concerns [4]. - Competitors, including Rivian, are reconsidering their hidden door handle designs, with Volkswagen's CEO emphasizing that functionality should take precedence over aesthetics based on customer feedback [6]. - New regulations from Chinese authorities require that electric vehicles have sufficient space for hand operation of door handles and must include mechanical release features to ensure safety in emergencies [6].

Core Points - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations in the U.S. due to safety concerns related to its hidden door handle design, which may have contributed to a fatal accident where five passengers were trapped in a burning vehicle [2] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the safety defects of Tesla's hidden door handles, following multiple complaints from Model Y owners regarding door handle failures [3] - Competitors, including Rivian, are reconsidering their designs for hidden door handles in light of these safety concerns [5] - New regulations in China require that electric vehicles have sufficient space for hand operation of door handles and mechanical release features to ensure safety in emergencies [6] Summary by Sections Lawsuits and Investigations - A lawsuit has been filed in Wisconsin regarding a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S, where passengers could not escape due to the door lock system after a collision [2] - The lawsuit accuses Tesla of negligence, claiming the company was aware of the safety risks associated with its door handle design and failed to implement improvements [2] NHTSA Investigation - NHTSA has received 16 complaints about the 2021 Model Y, primarily related to low-voltage battery failures causing door handle malfunctions [3] - The agency has requested Tesla to submit records related to the door system design and customer complaints by December 10, with potential fines for non-compliance [3] Industry Response - The safety concerns surrounding hidden door handles have sparked discussions globally, with competitors like Rivian reassessing their designs [4][5] - Volkswagen's CEO emphasized the importance of functionality over aesthetics in door handle design, reflecting customer feedback [6] Regulatory Changes - New regulations in China mandate that electric vehicles must have adequate hand operation space for door handles and mechanical release features to enhance safety [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights safety concerns regarding the design of the Xiaomi SU7's door handles, particularly the absence of mechanical external handles, which complicates emergency access during accidents [3][4][6]. Group 1: Incident Overview - On October 13, a Xiaomi SU7 caught fire after a collision in Chengdu, and rescuers struggled to open the doors, ultimately requiring firefighters to use a cutting tool [3]. - This incident occurred 198 days after a previous fire incident involving the same model, raising alarms about the vehicle's safety features [3]. Group 2: Design Flaws - The Xiaomi SU7 lacks a mechanical external handle, relying solely on an internal micro-switch for electronic unlocking, which poses risks in emergencies [4][6]. - The internal emergency handle, while present, may be difficult for unconscious occupants to locate and use quickly, especially in a rapidly deteriorating situation [6][11]. Group 3: Industry Standards and Reactions - Industry experts criticize the design choice of the Xiaomi SU7, noting that most vehicles with hidden handles include safety redundancies to ensure accessibility during power failures [6][10]. - New regulations are being proposed to mandate mechanical handles for vehicle doors to enhance safety, reflecting a shift in industry standards [10][11]. Group 4: Cost Implications - Transitioning from hidden handles to traditional mechanical designs involves significant costs, including redesigning electrical systems and molds, which may deter manufacturers from making changes [13][14]. - The potential need for recalls to upgrade existing vehicles with hidden handles is complicated by the large number of such models on the market and the associated costs [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the safety concerns and design flaws associated with hidden door handles in vehicles, highlighting the need for new safety standards and alternative designs to enhance emergency accessibility and reduce risks during accidents [1][2][3]. Group 1: Safety Concerns - Hidden door handles have been linked to multiple safety issues, including insufficient strength, potential safety risks in control logic, and difficulties in operation during emergencies [1][2]. - The lack of clear and uniform markings on hidden door handles increases the difficulty of operation in urgent situations, such as collisions or fires [2]. - Incidents like the Xiaomi SU7 high-speed collision have brought attention to the safety hazards posed by hidden door handles, particularly in terms of escape and rescue challenges [2]. Group 2: Industry Response - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has initiated a public consultation for revising mandatory national standards for automotive door handles, focusing on emergency access and safety requirements [1][5]. - Some automotive companies are exploring alternative safety solutions, such as integrating mechanical door handles within hidden designs to ensure accessibility during emergencies [4][5]. - There is a growing trend among manufacturers to reconsider the use of hidden door handles due to their complex structure and higher maintenance costs compared to traditional designs [3][4].