Tesla vehicles are celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and sleek design, but some owners have identified a critical safety oversight: the hidden emergency door releases. In response, Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords to make these manual releases more accessible, especially in high-stress situations like accidents or fires. This grassroots solution highlights both the ingenuity of Tesla’s community and a gap in the automaker’s design priorities. Below, we explore why Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords, how they work, and what this trend reveals about vehicle safety in the age of electronic door systems.
The Problem with Tesla’s Emergency Door Releases
Tesla’s vehicles, including models like the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, rely on electronic push-button door releases for their futuristic appeal. These systems work seamlessly under normal conditions but can fail when a vehicle loses power, precisely when quick evacuation might be necessary. Manual door releases exist as a backup, but they’re often tucked away behind panels or under mats, making them difficult to locate in an emergency. For rear-seat passengers, who may not be familiar with the car’s layout, finding these hidden mechanisms under stress can be nearly impossible.
Reports from outlets like FuelArc and The Autopian highlight the issue: in a crisis, such as a fire or a crash, seconds matter. If a Tesla’s power is cut, passengers must rely on these obscure manual releases to escape. Tragically, incidents like a fatal crash in Toronto, where four occupants couldn’t exit a burning Tesla, and another in California, where rescuers struggled to access trapped passengers, underscore the stakes. Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords to address this flaw, ensuring that the manual releases are easier to find and use.
Why Tesla Owners Are Fitting Emergency Escape Ripcords
The motivation behind this DIY fix is straightforward: safety. Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords to make the manual door releases more visible and intuitive, particularly for passengers unfamiliar with the vehicle. In a panic-inducing scenario—smoke filling the cabin, a car overturned, or flames spreading—marked rip cords can mean the difference between escape and disaster. These cords, often brightly colored and labelled with phrases like “Pull to Eject” or “Emergency Only,” draw immediate attention to the release mechanism.
The need for such modifications stems from real-world incidents. For example, The Star reported on the Toronto crash, where bystanders suspected the electronic door releases failed, trapping occupants. Similarly, The Oaklandside covered a California accident where rescuers broke windows to save one passenger, unable to rely on the doors. These stories have fueled a growing awareness among Tesla owners, prompting them to take matters into their own hands by fitting emergency escape rip cords.
How Tesla Owners Are Fitting Emergency Escape Ripcords
The solution is elegantly simple. Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords by attaching keychains, straps, or paracord to the existing manual release tabs. These tabs, often small and plastic, are hidden within door panels or under mats. By threading a brightly colored cord or tag through the tab, owners create a visible, easy-to-grab handle. Popular designs mimic aviation-inspired pull cords, with labels like “PULL TO EJECT” or “DON’T PANIC,” adding both functionality and a touch of personality.
For those who prefer a polished look, aftermarket options are available. Companies like Tesery and EV Dynamics offer kits specifically designed for Tesla models. Tesery’s “Safety Pull Cord” for the Model Y, priced around USD 15, blends seamlessly with the car’s aesthetic. EV Dynamics sells high-visibility orange cords for about $22.50, complete with labels to mark the release location—something Tesla’s factory design lacks. These kits are straightforward to install, requiring no advanced tools or modifications, making them accessible to most owners.
The Broader Context: Electronic Doors and Safety Challenges
Tesla isn’t alone in adopting electronic door releases, but its approach has drawn scrutiny. Other automakers, like Audi and Ford, have designed more intuitive manual overrides. For instance, the Audi E-Tron’s emergency release activates by forcefully pulling the door handle multiple times, mimicking natural behaviour in a panic. The Ford Mustang Mach-E integrates the manual release into the handle itself. In contrast, Tesla’s hidden releases require prior knowledge, which, as Calgary Fire Department Captain Randy Schmitz noted, many owners lack due to inadequate education from salespeople.
The trend of Tesla owners fitting emergency escape rip cords reflects a broader shift in automotive design. As cars move away from traditional mechanical handles, the challenge of ensuring safe, intuitive emergency exits grows. Other vehicles, like the Chevrolet Corvette and Genesis G90, face similar criticisms for obscure manual releases. Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords not just for peace of mind but to compensate for a design choice that prioritises aesthetics over immediate accessibility.
Community Ingenuity and the DIY Spirit
The rise of Ripcord modifications showcases the resourcefulness of Tesla’s owner community. Social media platforms like Reddit and Imgur are filled with examples of creative solutions, from homemade keychain tags to professionally designed kits. These efforts highlight a collaborative spirit, with owners sharing tips and tutorials to improve safety. For instance, a Reddit user showcased a “PULL TO EJECT” tag threaded onto a Model Y’s rear door release, while an Imgur post featured a humorous “DON’T PANIC” cord. These modifications are both practical and a nod to Tesla’s tech-forward culture.
Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords because they recognise the importance of preparedness. While Tesla’s manuals and safety instructions outline the location of manual releases, they’re not always intuitive in high-pressure situations. By making these releases more visible, owners ensure that passengers, especially those unfamiliar with the car, can act quickly. This DIY movement also serves as a reminder that car ownership often involves adapting factory designs to meet real-world needs.
What This Means for Tesla and Future Designs
The popularity of Ripcord modifications sends a clear message to Tesla: safety features must be as intuitive as they are innovative. Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords because the automaker’s current design falls short in emergencies. While Tesla’s electronic doors align with its minimalist ethos, the hidden manual release has proven to be a weak point. Other automakers’ more intuitive solutions suggest that Tesla could incorporate similar fixes, such as integrating manual releases into door handles or adding factory-installed, clearly labelled cords.
For now, Tesla owners are fitting emergency escape rip cords to bridge this gap. The modification is inexpensive, easy to implement, and potentially lifesaving. It also highlights the importance of educating passengers about emergency procedures. Owners who install these cords often take the extra step of briefing