Tesla’s Powered Door Decisions Under Scrutiny After Safety Incidents
Elon Musk's 2016 directive to remove traditional door handles from Tesla vehicles has resurfaced amid federal safety investigations. The design choice—implemented during the Model 3's rushed production—relied entirely on electronic systems, despite internal warnings about collision risks.
Engineers reportedly argued for mechanical backups as Tesla faced simultaneous complaints about Model X sensor failures. Musk's hands-on involvement overruled these concerns, with the CEO frequently sleeping at factories to oversee details. Today, doors dependent on low-voltage batteries remain prone to failure during crashes, sometimes trapping occupants until emergency crews locate hidden manual releases.