The debate over electric door handles is heating up, with safety concerns casting a shadow over their adoption. Yet, Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety innovation, is boldly integrating its distinctive 'shark fin' electronic door handles into its latest electric vehicle. The company's stance? If you design them correctly, safety isn't an issue.
Anders Bell, Volvo's Chief Technology Officer, recently explained that the focus on door handle safety is somewhat misplaced. He argues that the real concern lies in system safety, not just the handles themselves. Volvo's new EX60 crossover features these unique shark-fin handles, which are activated by a small rubber button on the rear. While a traditional mechanical handle might be preferred by some, Volvo's design allows for a smooth, one-motion opening, a notable advantage over certain other electric vehicle designs.
"The reason I say it's a bit misguided is because it's not really about door handles, it’s about redundancy. It's all about being able to quickly exit the car in a reliable way if you're in the crash, but also, if you're unconscious, that somebody else can get you out," Bell stated.
The core of the regulatory scrutiny revolves around the 'extraction problem'. Electronic door handles, unlike their manual counterparts, rely on electrical power. In the event of a crash or power loss, these handles can become inoperable. While many vehicles incorporate mechanical backups, their effectiveness is diminished if users are unaware of their existence or operation.
A stark reminder of this issue came from a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette incident. When the car's battery died on a hot Texas day, the elderly driver, presumably unaware of the floor-mounted mechanical release, was trapped inside and tragically passed away along with his dog. This highlights a critical flaw: a backup system is only useful if it's accessible and known.
Similarly, Volkswagen faced significant challenges with its ID.4, leading to a halt in sales for a substantial part of 2024 due to door handle malfunctions. And this is the part most people miss: the issue isn't just about getting out of the car, but also about getting in to help someone.
In a tragic lawsuit, the family of a Tesla Cybertruck owner alleged that the driver was unable to escape a fiery crash due to difficulties in locating the vehicle's hidden mechanical door release. Even designs with intuitive interior releases can falter. For instance, while a passenger might be able to exit a Tesla Model S with a dead battery, an incapacitated individual presents a challenge for external rescuers due to the lack of an easily accessible external opening mechanism. This same concern has been raised with the Xiaomi SU7, where an owner reportedly died after being trapped in a burning vehicle, sparking regulatory calls for safer designs.
But here's where it gets controversial... The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively investigating Tesla's door handles for potential safety issues, and a congressional proposal aims to mandate quick and intuitive emergency door handle operation. Many might argue that the sleek, minimalist design of EVs is being compromised by these safety requirements.
Volvo, however, believes its EX60 design has successfully addressed the primary safety concerns. Bell asserts that both the exterior shark-fin handles and the interior power-operated latches will function even if the car's main battery is compromised. For the interior, Volvo employs a clever dual-action mechanism. The electronic release is integrated into the armrest, but a gentle pull activates the electronics, while a firmer pull engages a mechanical release via a cable. "So you pull a little, you open them electrically. You pull more, you open mechanically," Bell explained, ensuring that even in a panic, the door will open.
Addressing the external opening challenge, Volvo's doors are designed to unlock automatically during a crash. Furthermore, when a handle is pulled, the door will open regardless of the 12-volt battery's condition. Volvo's ingenious solution for maintaining 12-volt power involves two DC-to-DC converters, one on each side of the vehicle, located under the rear seats. These converters are interlinked, ensuring that as long as one is functional, the car's emergency systems will receive the necessary 12-volt power. It would require an exceptionally severe accident to disable both converters.
"What happens if you knock both out? Well, frankly speaking, at that point you can't [tell] what kind of car it was. It's a very protected area," Bell concluded.
What are your thoughts on Volvo's approach to electric door handle safety? Do you believe the pursuit of minimalist design in EVs is worth the potential safety compromises? Share your opinions below!
