A U.S. lawmaker has introduced a bill that would require manual door releases in new vehicles in response to growing safety concerns around electrically powered door handles made popular by EV maker Tesla (TSLA). The proposal, introduced by Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois, would require cars with electric door systems to include a clearly labeled mechanical latch that is easy for occupants to find and use.
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It would also require a way for first responders to open vehicles if power is lost after an accident. This bill follows multiple incidents of people being seriously injured or killed after being unable to exit vehicles when the power failed. In addition, reports suggest that Tesla CEO Elon Musk pushed for electric door designs even after internal safety concerns were raised.
This led Kelly to state that trapping people inside vehicles during emergencies is a clear safety failure, not innovation. As a result, the SAFE Exit Act will be discussed at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Jan. 13, though it is unclear whether the bill will advance. If passed, regulators would have two years to implement new rules.
What Is the Prediction for TSLA Stock?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on TSLA stock based on 13 Buys, 10 Holds, and eight Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average TSLA price target of $396.12 per share implies 9% downside risk.
