Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) and critiques the design choices made by automakers, particularly the shift towards touchscreens and hidden door handles, which may compromise safety and user experience [5][22][45]. Group 1: Evolution of Electric Vehicles - Electric vehicles have transformed from being seen as niche products to becoming mainstream, overcoming initial skepticism regarding range and charging efficiency [5]. - The introduction of Tesla's Model S in 2012 marked a significant turning point in the automotive industry, establishing a new standard for smart electric vehicles [8][9]. Group 2: Design Trends and Critiques - Tesla's design philosophy emphasizes minimalism, reducing mechanical components in favor of sleek, touch-based interfaces, which has influenced many other automakers [9][12]. - The trend of integrating large touchscreens and eliminating physical buttons has led to usability challenges, particularly in critical functions like defrosting and door operation [11][30][31]. Group 3: Safety and Usability Concerns - The shift to touchscreens and hidden door handles raises significant safety concerns, as these designs can distract drivers and complicate emergency situations [40][41]. - Regulatory bodies are beginning to respond to these concerns, with new guidelines requiring physical buttons for certain functions to ensure safety [42][43]. Group 4: Future Directions - The automotive industry may move towards a hybrid approach, combining touchscreens with essential physical buttons to balance innovation with safety and usability [45]. - The article suggests that while the design of electric vehicles is evolving, practical solutions like heat-resistant films for glass roofs are still necessary to enhance user comfort [46].

Core Viewpoint - The electric vehicle (EV) industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, overcoming initial skepticism regarding range and charging efficiency, but it has also introduced design elements that may complicate user experience, such as glass roofs, touchscreens, and hidden door handles [1][2][4]. Group 1: Evolution of Electric Vehicles - The launch of the Tesla Model S in 2012 marked the beginning of the smart electric vehicle era, receiving accolades for its innovative design [2][3]. - Tesla's design philosophy emphasizes the removal of mechanical components in favor of a sleek, intelligent interface, aiming for a futuristic automotive experience [2][4]. Group 2: Industry Trends and Challenges - Many automakers have adopted Tesla's design elements, leading to a trend where physical buttons are minimized, and touchscreens dominate vehicle controls [5][6]. - New entrants in the market are pushing for "zero buttons, all touchscreen" interfaces, which can complicate user interactions, especially in critical situations [7][9]. Group 3: User Experience and Safety Concerns - The shift to touchscreens and hidden door handles has raised concerns about usability, particularly in emergency situations where traditional controls may be more intuitive [19][30]. - The automotive industry has historically prioritized safety in user interactions, but the current trend may compromise this principle by prioritizing aesthetics and convenience over safety [30][31]. Group 4: Regulatory Responses - Regulatory bodies are beginning to respond to these design trends, with new safety requirements that may limit the use of hidden door handles and emphasize the need for physical buttons for critical functions [31][34]. - The European New Car Assessment Programme (E-NCAP) and China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology are both advocating for a return to more traditional controls to ensure safety [31][34]. Group 5: Future Directions - The industry may move towards a hybrid model that combines touchscreens with essential physical buttons to balance safety and modern design [37]. - As technology advances, there is potential for improved user interfaces that maintain safety while offering the benefits of modern design elements [37].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla, a leading automaker known for its hidden door handles, has decided to redesign its door handle system due to pressure from safety authorities, aiming to make it more intuitive for passengers to operate in emergencies [4][25]. Group 1: Historical Context of Hidden Door Handles - The concept of hidden door handles dates back to the 1950s with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, which aimed for a sleek design and speed [11]. - Tesla's Model S introduced an automatic retractable door handle in 2012, which was revolutionary at the time and contributed to the brand's allure [15]. Group 2: User Experience and Challenges - The hidden door handles have become a source of frustration for users, particularly for those unfamiliar with the mechanism, leading to a high educational cost for new users [6][8]. - Various designs of hidden door handles have emerged, complicating user interaction and causing confusion among passengers [18][19]. Group 3: Safety Concerns - Incidents involving hidden door handles have raised significant safety concerns, particularly in emergency situations where rescuers struggled to open the doors [25][29]. - Notable accidents, such as the Tesla Model S crash in Texas, highlighted the potential dangers of hidden door handles, prompting investigations by safety authorities [25][30]. Group 4: Industry Response and Future Trends - In response to safety issues, there are indications that regulatory bodies may consider banning traditional hidden door handles in the Chinese market [35]. - Many automakers are already shifting back to more traditional door handle designs that combine electronic and mechanical unlocking mechanisms for improved usability and safety [39].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla, as the leading automaker contributing to hidden door handles, has decided to eliminate them due to safety concerns and user experience issues [1][2][35]. Group 1: Design and User Experience - Tesla's design director acknowledged the need to redesign the door handle system for more intuitive operation in emergencies [2]. - The hidden door handle, initially a symbol of advanced technology, has become cumbersome and difficult for users, especially those unfamiliar with the mechanism [19][30]. - The complexity of various hidden door handle designs has led to confusion among users, making it challenging to operate [21][24]. Group 2: Historical Context - The concept of hidden door handles dates back to the 1950s with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, aimed at achieving a sleek design [9][11]. - Tesla's Model S introduced an automatic retractable door handle in 2012, which was revolutionary at the time and contributed to its popularity [14][15]. Group 3: Safety Concerns - Incidents involving hidden door handles have raised significant safety concerns, particularly in emergency situations where rescuers struggled to open the doors [31][40]. - Notable accidents, such as the Tesla Model S crash in Texas, highlighted the dangers of hidden door handles during emergencies, prompting investigations by safety authorities [32][35]. - The design's reliance on electronic mechanisms can fail in collisions, making them less reliable compared to traditional mechanical handles [46][47]. Group 4: Industry Response - Following safety incidents, there is a shift in the industry towards more user-friendly door handle designs, with some manufacturers reverting to traditional styles [50][53]. - Regulatory discussions are underway in China to potentially ban traditional hidden door handles across all automakers, reflecting a growing emphasis on safety [50][56]. - The trend indicates a broader industry movement towards prioritizing safety over aesthetic design, as consumer preferences shift away from hidden door handles [55][56].