Nov 13, 2024, 14:57 IST Share 2 Last month, a tragic accident in Toronto led to the deaths of four Indian individuals after their Tesla Model Y collided with a guard rail and erupted into flames. The October 24 crash, which claimed the lives of Jay Sisodiya, Digvijay Patel, Neelraj Gohil, and his sister Ketaba Gohil, ages ranging from 26 to 32, has raised critical concerns over Tesla’s electronic door system. Reports indicate that the electric doors failed to open post-collision, trapping the occupants inside as the fire engulfed the vehicle. The incident has renewed scrutiny on Tesla’s safety features, specifically its electronic door system that relies on power to operate. Unlike traditional vehicles, Tesla’s doors don’t have standard handles; instead, they utilize electronic buttons for opening. In situations where the vehicle’s power supply is cut off, such as after a severe crash, the electronic buttons can become inoperable, making escape more difficult. BYD eMAX 7 electric MPV first drive review Electrifying comfort! | TOI Auto How to open Tesla’s electric doors using a manual lever: Tesla’s Model Y does include a manual release lever for the front doors, a crucial feature for emergencies. In such situations, one can locate the manual release lever: Positioned near the window controls, just below the electronic door button, this lever is designed for emergency use. To open, pull the lever upward to disengage the lock, allowing the front door to be pushed open manually from the inside. According to the Tesla Model Y owner’s manual, the rear doors in some versions have an emergency release that requires removing the mat from the bottom of the door pocket and pulling the red tab to access the release cable. However, not all Model Y vehicles are equipped with this feature. The exact cause of the recent Toronto crash is still under investigation. However, familiarizing oneself with manual door releases in an electric vehicle could potentially save lives in emergency situations. End of Article