EU Regulators Tighten Safety Rules on Tesla Doors Amid Power Failure Concerns
EU regulators are imposing stricter safety standards on Tesla's door mechanisms following reports of passengers being trapped during power failures. The MOVE comes after multiple incidents where occupants couldn't exit vehicles after crashes, particularly when battery systems failed. Emergency responders have faced similar challenges accessing vehicles, with Bloomberg reporting Tesla's flush door handles consistently malfunction during power loss—even in fire-related emergencies.
The RDW, Europe's vehicle certification agency, emphasized doors must remain operational from both inside and outside during power failures. Current regulations are being updated to address modern vehicle designs, with European regulatory committees conducting comprehensive reviews.
Separately, the NHTSA has launched an investigation into door handles on Tesla's Model Y, examining potential safety law violations. Tesla's chief designer Franz von Holzhausen acknowledged the company is working to improve handle intuitiveness, though specifics remain undisclosed.
