Four dead in fire as Tesla doors fail to open after crash

(myelectricsparks.com)

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ndiddy ◴[16 Nov 24 19:25 UTC] No.42158554[source]▶

Another similar incident happened around a week after that one: https://www.channel3000.com/news/dane-county-sheriffs-office... .

One thing to note is that the car doors in Teslas are electrically controlled and a different failsafe method of opening the doors is required when the electrical system isn't working. Here's the steps for manually opening the Model Y's rear doors (car in the story the post links to): https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/modely/en_us/GUID-AAD769C... and here's the steps for manually opening the Model S's rear doors (car in the story I linked to): https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/models/en_us/GUID-AAD769C... . Note that this involves removing the rear carpet in the Model S and the door pocket mat in the Model Y, and that the Model Y instructions note that some cars aren't even equipped with manual rear door releases. It seems like Tesla didn't account at all for what happens if passengers who aren't familiar with the car need to quickly exit in an emergency, especially if the driver's incapacitated and can't give them directions.

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nemomarx ◴[16 Nov 24 19:39 UTC] No.42158647[source]▶

>>42158554 #

why are the doors electronically controlled to start with? is it cost savings?

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1. dagmx ◴[16 Nov 24 19:46 UTC] No.42158699[source]▶

>>42158647 #

A lot of cars have electronically controlled doors.

It’s due to the frameless windows. Opening the door requires the windows to roll down slightly to avoid damage to the outer trim.

The doors still have a mechanical release so there’s no cost savings involved. For the front door they’re right next to the electronic release. For the rear doors they’re hidden under the passenger door pocket.

Edit: to everyone replying I never said it was a necessity. I explained why they did it. I’m aware of alternate approaches.

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2. bahmboo ◴[16 Nov 24 19:58 UTC] No.42158790[source]▶

>>42158699 (TP) #

Not necessarily. Many cars have manual doors and frameless windows. A 1996 Subaru comes to mind. Tesla could easily make the windows dip when a mechanical handle was activated.

Electronic door latches are fine, it’s the backup mechanism that is the problem. Some cars have the mechanical alternate forward of the electrical release such that if you are grabbing frantically you would eventually pull it. This still looks minimal if that is more important than safety.

3. tirant ◴[16 Nov 24 20:13 UTC] No.42158904[source]▶

>>42158699 (TP) #

Most current BMWs with frameless windows still have mechanical door openings (e.g. BMW i4).

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4. xbar ◴[16 Nov 24 20:18 UTC] No.42158955[source]▶

>>42158699 (TP) #

This is a design choice, not a requirement.

My frameless-windows 2007 car uses a mechanical door latch and the window rolls down slightly as I pull the latch.

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5. badgersnake ◴[16 Nov 24 20:19 UTC] No.42158970[source]▶

>>42158904 #

Indeed, my 2001 E46 BMW had this. It’s not complicated or new.