Core Points - Tesla is facing lawsuits and investigations in the U.S. due to safety concerns related to its hidden door handles, particularly following a fatal accident involving a Model S where passengers were trapped in a fire [1] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into the safety defects of Tesla's hidden door handles, receiving multiple complaints from Model Y owners regarding door handle failures [2] - Tesla's design chief has indicated that the company will change the design of the door handles in response to these issues [3] Group 1: Legal and Regulatory Issues - A lawsuit has been filed in Wisconsin against Tesla, claiming negligence due to the door locking system that trapped passengers during a fatal accident [1] - NHTSA has received 16 complaints regarding the 2021 Model Y, highlighting issues with the low-voltage battery causing door handle failures, which resulted in children being locked inside vehicles [2] - Tesla faces potential fines of up to $140 million if it fails to comply with NHTSA's request for records related to the door handle systems by December 10 [2] Group 2: Industry Response and Design Changes - The safety concerns surrounding hidden door handles have sparked discussions globally, with competitors like Rivian reconsidering their designs [4] - Volkswagen's CEO emphasized the importance of functionality over aesthetics in response to customer feedback regarding hidden door handles [5] - New regulations in China require that electric vehicles have sufficient space for hand operation of door handles and must include mechanical release functions for safety [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of mandatory national standards for automotive door handle safety technology, addressing the safety risks associated with electric hidden door handles and aiming to enhance vehicle safety [3][4]. Group 1: Safety Standards - The new standard, titled "Automotive Door Handle Safety Technical Requirements," aims to regulate and improve the safety of door handles in response to emerging technologies and safety needs [3]. - Hidden door handles have been linked to increased risks during emergencies, such as power failure and difficulty in operation, which can hinder escape during accidents [3][4]. Group 2: Specific Requirements - Each car door (excluding the tailgate) must be equipped with mechanical exterior and interior door handles to ensure accessibility in case of power failure [4]. - The operational space for the exterior door handle must not be less than 60mm×20mm×25mm, ensuring sufficient room for hand operation [4][5]. - Interior door handles must be easily identifiable and accessible, with specific placement guidelines to facilitate quick operation in emergencies [4][5]. Group 3: Implementation Timeline - New models applying for door handle type approval must comply with the operational space requirement within seven months of the standard's implementation, while other requirements take effect immediately [5]. - Existing models will have a grace period of 19 months post-implementation to meet the new standards [5]. Group 4: Industry Impact - Experts believe that the establishment of these standards not only aligns with the trend of vehicle electrification but also addresses user pain points related to door handle operation and safety markings, thereby promoting safer production and usage in the automotive industry [5].