Volvo has implemented a novel solution to address safety concerns surrounding electric door handles, particularly in the event of a power failure, as seen in its latest EX60 electric vehicle. The Swedish automaker is utilizing a design that ensures doors can still be opened even if the car’s 12-volt battery is depleted.
Addressing the Electronic Door Handle Debate
Regulatory bodies and consumers have expressed increasing skepticism about the safety of power-operated door handles, which have been implicated in extraction difficulties during emergencies. However, Volvo’s Chief Technology Officer, Anders Bell, asserted that the issue lies with system safety rather than the door handles themselves.
“The reason I say it’s a bit misguided is because it’s not really about door handles, it’s about redundancy. It’s all about being able to quickly exit the car in a reliable way if you’re in the crash, but also, if you’re unconscious, that somebody else can get you out,” Bell stated at the EX60 launch event.
The core problem with electronic door handles is their reliance on power. In situations like a crash or a dead battery, they may fail to operate. While many vehicles incorporate mechanical backups, their accessibility and usability in emergencies have been questioned, citing examples like a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette incident where a deceased owner was unable to access the mechanical release.
More recently, issues with electronic door handles have surfaced with vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck and the Xiaomi SU7, leading to lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny from bodies such as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Concerns have been raised about the intuitive nature of hidden mechanical releases and the potential for external access failures.
Volvo EX60’s Dual-Action Interior Handles
Volvo’s approach in the EX60 integrates both electronic and mechanical release mechanisms into a single interior handle. According to Bell, pulling the handle gently activates the electronic release, while a firmer pull engages a mechanical backup.
“So you pull a little, you open them electrically. You pull more, you open mechanically,” Bell explained. This design aims to provide a reliable exit method, even under panic or stress.
Redundant Exterior Power for Emergency Access
Volvo has also addressed the challenge of external door access in emergencies. The EX60 automatically unlocks its doors upon detecting a crash. Furthermore, the exterior door handles are designed to function even with a completely dead or damaged 12-volt battery.
This is achieved through a redundant power system. Unlike traditional EVs that use a single DC-to-DC converter to supply low-voltage power, the EX60 is equipped with two converters, positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle and protected under the rear seats. This setup ensures that 12-volt power remains available for emergency systems as long as at least one converter is functional, even in severe accidents.
“What happens if you knock both out? Well, frankly speaking, at that point you can’t [tell] what kind of car it was. It’s a very protected area,” Bell commented on the robustness of the design.