3 HN users recommended this explainer3 months2022–2026score 3
Years with an HN recommendation, 2007–2026
Recommended whenever door handles or car reliability engineering come up, as an enjoyable look at design iteration.
SuperfastMatt looks at how the Tesla Model S retracting door handles were redesigned over time, from many parts to a motor plus sensor, with a focus on engineering and reliability.
“This is a great video by SuperfastMatt on the engineering behind and evolution of the Tesla door handle.” (HN, 2026)
Regarding the pop-out door handles - this is a fascinating video on how the Tesla Model S door handles design has been refined and made more reliable by someone who used to work at Tesla (SuperfastMatt) [this video]
Evolution and reliability engineering of Tesla Model S door handles.
A bit off topic, but this is something HN might enjoy. It’s a video by a mechanical engineer that worked for Tesla, Apple and a NASCAR team about Tesla door handles over time. [this video]
Ex-Tesla engineer on door handle design over time.
This reminded me of the video about the Tesla door handles, where its explained how they redesigned the retracting door handles of the Model S from having a bunch of switches and mechanical parts to just a motor + a position sensor: [this video]
Door handle redesign from many parts to motor plus sensor.
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