Tesla Debuts New Integrated Door Handle on Cybercab Prototype

Daily Car

·

26/03/2026

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Tesla has revealed a new interior door handle design on a prototype of its upcoming autonomous vehicle, the Cybercab. The updated mechanism integrates the electronic and manual releases into a single unit, a significant change aimed at improving safety and ease of use for passengers.

A Unified Approach to Safety and Accessibility

The new design directly addresses criticisms of the system found in current Tesla models like the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. In these vehicles, the primary method for opening the door from the inside is an electronic button. A separate, and often less obvious, mechanical release is provided for emergencies. The location of these emergency releases, particularly for the rear doors, can be difficult for passengers to find in a critical situation, a point that has been raised in safety reports and lawsuits.

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Tesla's solution is a single latch that functions in two stages. A light pull on the latch activates the standard electronic door release. If more force is applied, or in the event of a power failure, the same motion mechanically unlatches the door. This dual-function design is more intuitive, as it aligns with the single-handle operation common in most vehicles and eliminates confusion during an emergency.

This approach is not new to the automotive industry. Manufacturers like Audi and Lexus have successfully used similar integrated handles that combine both electronic and manual functions into one switch. By adopting this proven method, Tesla is moving toward a more universally understood and user-friendly standard.

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Further enhancing the design, the new handle incorporates braille markings. This addition is particularly relevant for the Cybercab, which is designed to operate as a fully autonomous robotaxi. The tactile markings will assist visually impaired passengers in locating and operating the door release without assistance. This new handle is expected to be implemented across Tesla's existing vehicle lineup in the future.

Other observations of the latest Cybercab prototype note the inclusion of a physical charging port and a steering wheel, indicating that development of the mass-market robotaxi is actively ongoing and subject to practical revisions.

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