The Cybercab will debut new door handles for Tesla featuring both an electronic and a mechanical system

Door handles on new-generation vehicles have come under criticism in recent years, from both users and regulatory bodies. Manufacturers have opted for electronic opening mechanisms which, in a small number of cases following an accident, have failed to work properly, preventing occupants from escaping the vehicle.

Tesla has been one of the brands to receive this kind of criticism. Both the exterior handles and the interior opening mechanisms of its vehicles have been the subject of controversy for years. The company promised to redesign these components last year, and it now appears we have a first look at how the new latches might work.

Pull handles are making a comeback for opening doors

A video published on YouTube by a popular American YouTuber, showing the interior of Tesla’s Cybercab, has given us a close look at the new interior opening mechanism developed by the company’s engineers, which combines an electrical and a mechanical system in the same mechanism.

As described in the video, instead of the opening button that Tesla has used over the years, there is now a lever that lifts upward. This new design combines both electronic and mechanical release in a single lever. A short pull activates the electronic mechanism, while pulling a little harder releases the door mechanically. In addition, the lever features the word “Open” in Braille, making it easier to locate for people with visual impairments.

Although the video does not show the full operation of the two-stage system, this solution represents a significant change from Tesla’s current design. Until now, the brand has clearly separated electronic and mechanical controls to prevent a user from accidentally activating the mechanical release and damaging exterior elements of the vehicle, such as the glass or the trim.

Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief design officer, explained last year in an interview with the media that the goal of this new mechanism is to make opening easier in panic situations. According to him, the idea is that muscle memory will allow the user to pull the same lever a little further to activate the mechanical release without having to look for another control.

Regulatory authorities in several countries have increased pressure on manufacturers to improve the safety of these mechanisms, especially in emergencies where electrical power may be unavailable. This is why solutions of this kind are considered essential.