A toddler was trapped inside a Tesla Model Y in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week when the car’s 12-volt battery died, rendering the vehicle’s electronic systems and locks inoperable. With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, Renee Sanchez and her 20-month-old granddaughter found themselves in a perilous situation on their way to the Phoenix Zoo.

Incident Details

• Situation: After securing her granddaughter in the child seat and closing the door, Sanchez discovered that her Tesla wouldn’t open, neither with her phone key nor card key.
• Response: Sanchez tried all possible methods to open the car but eventually had to call 911.

Firefighter Involvement

• Initial Response: Firefighters initially expressed concern about gaining access to the Tesla, known for its electronic locks and unique emergency release mechanisms.
• Action Taken: Firefighters used an axe to break the window, taping it first to prevent glass from scattering, and rescued the child, who was understandably distressed by the commotion.

Underlying Issues

• Hidden Latch: Tesla vehicles have a hidden manual release latch near the driver’s side armrest, but many owners are unaware of this feature.
• Complex Jump-Start Process: While there is a method to jump-start a Tesla from the outside, it is too complicated to be practical in emergency situations.

Aftermath and Recommendations

• Sanchez’s Experience: Sanchez expressed gratitude for the firefighters’ quick response but criticized the lack of awareness about the emergency release latch among both first responders and Tesla owners.
• Educational Needs: She stressed the importance of better education for Tesla owners and first responders on handling such emergencies.
• Brand Faith: Despite being a fan of Tesla, Sanchez’s confidence in the brand has been shaken by this incident.

Broader Context

• Heat Risks: This incident highlights the severe risk posed by high temperatures, particularly in the Southwest United States, where heat-related car deaths are a tragic reality. Last year, three children died in separate incidents of being left in hot cars around the same time.

Tesla owners and emergency responders need to be more aware of the emergency features of the vehicles to prevent similar incidents. This includes understanding the manual release mechanisms and having clear procedures for such emergencies.