Tow hooks are cool… until you find a tow hook in an emergency! What's going on with the latest car design and why is Europe threatening Tesla with a ban?
Sinking hooks! We all know that feeling: You walk up to the Tesla, there's no handle, and you're like Bond looking for a hidden mechanism. In recent years, retractable door handles have become a real “it” automotive detail – so smooth, so “futuristic” that you barely notice them. But beware, a turnaround is coming in Europe! The homologation authorities have put Tesla under the microscope, as rescuers in accidents have repeatedly desperately searched for a way to open the door. The seconds are running out, and the handles are… nowhere!
Europe threatens: “No upgrade, no sale!”
Can you imagine that the hitches would make Tesla persona non grata on European roads? That's exactly what could happen! The Dutch homologation office has announced a thorough investigation, as the current rules, dating back to the days of the "fitch", do not even provide for electronic solutions. If Tesla does not offer a more intuitive (read: rescuer-friendly) handle, European bureaucrats could say: "No handle, no party!"
Tesla is looking for a solution, but the Chinese would just say "no" to everything
Tesla's chief designer admitted to Bloomberg that they are already looking into "upgrading" the system to make the doors more "user-friendly". But honestly - How many drivers even know where that hidden mechanical lever is?? When it's on fire, there's about as much time to search as there is to think about life. And Tesla isn't alone – retractable handles have become a trend, but the Chinese are saying: “Enough!” Their regulators are already drafting a law that will require a classic mechanical system for opening doors – outside and inside. Technological “bling-bling” up or down.
Who will win: Design or common sense?
The million dollar question: Will the cars of the future have handles that you can open even in the dark, in the rain, and under stress? Will the “wow effect” win out over safety? The time is definitely coming when we will have to choose between “fancy” and “funky”. And if things go as planned in Europe and China, our cars may soon have that good old door handle again. Besides – who wants an ambulance to have to Google it first before opening your door?
What do you think – are you for sinking hooks or do you swear by the classics? The comments are yours!
