15:27 24-10-2025

European regulators weigh ban on pop-out door handles after crash failures

European safety experts consider banning pop-out door handles after failures in crashes. Research shows 67% vs 98% door opening; NHTSA logs Tesla complaints.

European safety experts are seriously weighing a potential ban on retractable (pop-out) door handles, a feature popularized by Tesla and the Range Rover Velar. The discussion was prompted by a recent tragic incident in Germany, where passengers were unable to exit a vehicle after a crash because the electric handles stayed locked.

Research indicates that in side-impact collisions, doors open in only 67% of cases with these systems, compared with 98% for traditional handles. These mechanisms are also prone to trouble when iced over or when power is cut, and repairs tend to cost more. Those figures make a strong case for the straightforward mechanical approach, especially when every second counts.

The U.S. NHTSA has been receiving similar complaints, recording thousands of reports from Tesla owners. Some automakers, including BYD, have already stepped away from such solutions, returning to mechanical designs. Experts note that, in the chase for aerodynamics and aesthetics, manufacturers risk overlooking a basic rule: safety matters more than design. In that light, the appeal of a flush handle fades fast if it complicates a quick escape.