Give us real door handles, and limit touchscreens in cars

In 2012, Tesla pioneered automatic door handles on its Model S. Goal was to look cool, aerodynamics the justification. Since then, others, including at least one Indian carmaker, have flattered it with imitation. But looks like 2026 is the year this handle dies. China, the biggest car market, has decided to ban it next Jan due to serious safety issues. Since Tesla sells 40% of its cars in China, the design change will have to be global. US is also examining complaints meanwhile, so no point dilly-dallying. 

And good riddance, because scores of drivers and passengers have got trapped inside cars with such ‘smart’ handles. Last year, a Chinese man died inside his burning Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. In 2019, Florida anaesthesiologist Omar Awan met the same terrible fate inside his Model S. In Dec 2023, Virginia residents Venkateswara Pasumarti and his wife Susmita Maddi were trapped inside their burning Model Y. By the time Susmita was pulled out, she had serious facial burns and lung damage from inhaled smoke. 

What good is a handle that’s inaccessible when you need it most? It shouldn’t have remained on the market for 14 years. So, well done, China. Now, India should send a strong message to carmakers by stopping the fungus of touchscreens on dashboards. Touch interfaces distract – a UK study shows using a touch-based infotainment system is four times riskier than being drunk to the legal limit. Euro NCAP and ANCAP have already made switches and dials must for 5-star safety ratings. India can crack the whip.

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