[dagmx]

A lot of cars have electronically controlled doors.

It’s due to the frameless windows. Opening the door requires the windows to roll down slightly to avoid damage to the outer trim.

The doors still have a mechanical release so there’s no cost savings involved. For the front door they’re right next to the electronic release. For the rear doors they’re hidden under the passenger door pocket.

Edit: to everyone replying I never said it was a necessity. I explained why they did it. I’m aware of alternate approaches.

[bahmboo]

Not necessarily. Many cars have manual doors and frameless windows. A 1996 Subaru comes to mind. Tesla could easily make the windows dip when a mechanical handle was activated.

Electronic door latches are fine, it’s the backup mechanism that is the problem. Some cars have the mechanical alternate forward of the electrical release such that if you are grabbing frantically you would eventually pull it. This still looks minimal if that is more important than safety.

[xbar]

This is a design choice, not a requirement.

My frameless-windows 2007 car uses a mechanical door latch and the window rolls down slightly as I pull the latch.

[hughesjj]

Also every convertible ever

[tirant]

Most current BMWs with frameless windows still have mechanical door openings (e.g. BMW i4).

[badgersnake]

Indeed, my 2001 E46 BMW had this. It’s not complicated or new.

[soramimo]

I still have over one these and can confirm the doors open with the battery disconnected.