In Scottsdale, Arizona, a heart-stopping rescue revealed as a 20-month-old child was trapped in a Tesla Model Y with a dead 12-volt battery, leaving the doors and windows inoperable. Firefighters heroically smashed a window to free the child, raising urgent concerns about the absence of an external release mechanism in such situations.
The child’s grandmother, Renee Sanchez, was unable to open the doors despite having the phone key and car key, highlighting the limitations of Tesla’s design. While it is possible to exit the vehicle from the inside, this option was not available to the buckled-in child.
This incident follows similar cases in Arizona, where individuals have been trapped in their Tesla Model Ys, emphasizing the need for a more user-friendly emergency release mechanism.
Tesla’s silence on the matter has sparked further concern, as the company’s dissolved press office leaves owners and advocates seeking answers. The lack of a simple external release mechanism poses a serious risk, especially in extreme temperatures like Arizona’s recent heatwave.
The child’s rescue serves as a wake-up call for Tesla and other automakers to prioritize safety and design functionality that accommodates emergency situations.
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, it is crucial to address these concerns and ensure that owners feel secure and supported. Until then, owners like Renee Sanchez will be left wondering what could have happened if help hadn’t arrived in time.