By: Otaiba Ahsan
One commonality between most electric vehicle (EV) companies is that they strive for efficiency when designing their cars, which helps get the maximum range out of each model. Part of boosting efficiency is creating an aerodynamic build, which reduces drag when driving. Tesla has accomplished this with the Model S, which has an incredibly sleek look. Something most people notice when marvelling at this car is the unique door handles, which are flush with the vehicle. Continue reading for steps on how to open the doors of a Tesla Model S.
Different Keys Used to Unlock Your Tesla
Before you attempt to open the doors on your Model S, you must ensure it’s unlocked. There are three primary key options for the car:
1) Key Card
When you pick up your Tesla, you’ll receive two key cards with it. These cards communicate with your Tesla using short-range radiofrequency (RFID) signals. No technology or Bluetooth connections are required to use your card. You can simply walk up to your Tesla, unlock it by tapping below the camera on your door, and then begin driving.
TIP: The key cards don’t support automatic locking, so make sure to tap on the door when you’re leaving so that your car is secure. Always keep a copy of the card in your wallet in case you ever need it.
2. Phone Key
When you take delivery of your car, you’ll be advised to download the Tesla app. Once you’ve logged in, you can set up your personal phone as a phone key that communicates with your car using Bluetooth and will unlock automatically when you’re close.
Few things beat the convenience of being able to walk up to your car and open it without having to press any buttons on a physical key. Tesla’s phone key allows you to lock, unlock and remotely start your car from wherever you are. You can also set up auto-lock so that it automatically locks as you walk away from your car. Setting up your phone key only takes a few simple steps.
3) Key Fob
The key fob helps mimic a traditional key experience and you can purchase one from Tesla’s site. They allow you to press buttons to open the front and rear trunks and unlock or lock your car. It also supports automatic locking and unlocking if available in your region.
Opening the Doors
The door handles on the Tesla Model S are flush with the car. If the vehicle is unlocked and detects a phone key or key fob nearby, you can lightly press the door handle and it will extend out so that you can open the door.
Additionally, you can set them to extend automatically when you approach the driver’s side door, as long as you’re carrying a phone key or key fob. This can be done by tapping Controls > Locks > Auto-Present Handles when in the car.
NOTE: The door handles will retract if you don’t use them within 10 seconds after they extend. Moreover, the handles will also retract 10 seconds after the last door closes, if the car begins moving, and if you lock the vehicle.
The Bottom Line
The steps on how to open the doors of a Tesla Model S are easy. Ensure you’re carrying a key card or key fob, then than lightly press the door handle which will extend it out so that it can be opened like any other door. Additionally, when in the car, tap Controls > Locks > Auto-Present Handles. After this is done, the handles will automatically extend when you approach the driver’s side door, as long as you’re carrying a phone key or key fob.