Recent concerns over electronic door handles have put emergency exits under fresh scrutiny. Electric vehicles are designed with multiple safety systems, but a power failure can create a problem in opening the doors.
China ordered the recall of about 4.3 million vehicles from Tesla and eight other automakers over concerns that doors could become difficult to open during emergencies. The recall is the country's largest automotive recall and includes around 2.98 million Tesla vehicles.
A dead high-voltage battery does not automatically mean occupants are trapped. Most electric vehicles come with mechanical or manual door release devices. These work even after the loss of electronic function.
However, the placement and use of these mechanisms differ by manufacturer, model, and seating position. Rear-door release mechanisms might be hard to locate, be covered, or hidden behind trim panels. The US Fire Administration recommended that EV owners should know about such mechanisms in case of emergencies.
Things get worse in case of a severe accident, where electrically powered mechanisms lose functionality due to the lack of power. Flush-mounted door handles and electrically operated handles gained popularity, especially in electric vehicles. Such designs provide better aesthetics and improved aerodynamics, but their emergency performance remains a regulatory concern.
The US Fire Administration says, “Passengers should practise locating the release because it may differ from the normal electronic handle. An EV losing power does not automatically leave occupants trapped, but knowing the manual escape mechanism before a crash, fire or electrical failure can save crucial seconds.”
The safest preparation is simple. Owners should read the vehicle manual and identify the mechanical release for every door, including rear doors.
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