Retractable Door Handles - Is It Practical?

[1young1]

While I can understand the benefits of the retractable door handles for better airflow and aerodynamics, I am concerned about some of the potential practical functionality of the door handles in certain situations. For example, how would the door handles slide out if the valet wanted to open the door for you or your passenger when you are seated inside the car? Do you need to open it from the inside first? Also, if the car was in a bad collision and the emergency first responders needed to open the door from the outside to get passengers out, how would they open the door besides breaking the windows?

These are just two situations that I thought of that could be of potential concern and hopefully, someone knows how these would be addressed.

[efusco]

While I can understand the benefits of the retractable door handles for better airflow and aerodynamics, I am concerned about some of the potential practical functionality of the door handles in certain situations. For example, how would the door handles slide out if the valet wanted to open the door for you or your passenger when you are seated inside the car? Do you need to open it from the inside first? Also, if the car was in a bad collision and the emergency first responders needed to open the door from the outside to get passengers out, how would they open the door besides breaking the windows?

These are just two situations that I thought of that could be of potential concern and hopefully, someone knows how these would be addressed.

I haven't seen the system work, but I would assume that the handles would extend whenever the car is stopped, running and in park. Not sure about the emergency situation, but rarely are the presence of door handles necessary for getting in the car by emergency responders, esp. if the accident is really severe.

[goyogi]

I *think* that when it's unlocked you can just press the door handles in and they will pop out.

[Trnsl8r]

I haven't seen the system work, ....

Has anyone?

[doug]

I took this in 2009:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrAa9M8saFg

[1young1]

Doug, thanks for the video. Just as Goyogi said, looks like you can just press the door handles and it will pop out.

[tdelta1000]

I think Tesla Motors would have worked out those details by now.

[tdelta1000]

I haven't seen the system work, but I would assume that the handles would extend whenever the car is stopped, running and in park. Not sure about the emergency situation, but rarely are the presence of door handles necessary for getting in the car by emergency responders, esp. if the accident is really severe.

Here's a link to the Beta Reveal back in October. At time 00:46 seconds Mr. Musk opens the rear door with just a simple touch and look at how quickly the rear door opens. Here it is.

[tdelta1000]

Here's a link to the Beta Reveal back in October. At time 00:46 seconds Mr. Musk opens the rear door with just a simple touch and look at how quickly the rear door opens. Here it is.

Here's something a lot better when it comes to the door handles at the 4:59 point. Information from the designer

[NigelM]

I still want the door handles to be camouflaged (color matched to the body color)!!