New Legislation Finally Addresses Electric Door Handles, But Only One Manufacturer is Accused | Carscoops

      Lawmakers are taking steps to regulate electric door latches due to safety concerns and political blame-shifting.

      A new bill mandates manual door releases on electric latches and enhances safety regulations through clearer labeling and backup systems.

      Tesla is primarily at fault, but other companies use similar latches.

      Electric door latches have generated significant discussion globally. Initially designed for style or efficiency, they have sparked a heated debate about safety. This issue has reached Washington, where a U.S. Representative from Illinois is proposing legislation aimed at prompting automakers to reassess the functionality of these systems.

      The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), instructs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create new performance and labeling requirements for vehicles equipped with electronic door latches.

      In essence, the bill mandates easily accessible, power-independent manual door releases for all doors, along with clear labeling and a reliable method for first responders to get into the vehicle if electrical power is compromised.

      The core issue lies not in the concept but in its execution.

      Current safety standards are said to be inadequate. Most cars with electric latches do include a manual release, but the access methods and signage for those releases are not always intuitive. For instance, exiting the back of a Rivian R1S necessitates removing a panel that often breaks in the process, highlighting the excessive force needed just to reach the release.

      Moreover, escaping from such a vehicle following a severe accident in a possibly smoke-filled cabin can be incredibly difficult. Many people have found it hard to exit the front seats of Teslas and Corvettes during power failures, despite having physical manual releases easily reachable.

      Focusing on One Brand

      In her public letter regarding the bill, Kelly specifically targets Tesla multiple times. She references reports of around 15 fatalities involving Teslas where occupants or first responders struggled to open the doors after a loss of power.

      This issue undoubtedly poses a serious safety risk. Consumer Reports has even launched a petition on the matter. However, Tesla is not the only manufacturer utilizing electronic door latches.

      Rivian and GM, among others, have also been scrutinized for similar features. Numerous other automakers, including Stellantis, Ford, Range Rover, Kia, Hyundai, and BMW, also employ electric latches.

      In some cases, manual releases are concealed behind trim panels, while others are placed in unconventional spots, and some lack proper labeling altogether. If the emphasis is genuinely on occupant safety, which it should be, the focus should be on the technology rather than the brand emblem.

      A Two-Year Window for Compliance

      Fortunately, the SAFE Exit Act is broadly drafted, defining an “electronic door latch” as any system that uses electrical power for securing or releasing a door and requires mechanical backups that function without power.

      If enacted, manufacturers would have a two-year period to comply following NHTSA’s issuance of revised regulations under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206. This timeline and requirement are reasonable and align with considerations being made by Chinese officials.

      However, it is essential not to view this merely as a Tesla issue. The automotive industry has emulated Tesla's design of flush handles due to their sleek, modern appearance. Manufacturers embraced this aesthetic long before lawmakers began to recognize the potential risks. Now, regulation could enhance the safety of these and future vehicles for everyone.