Rep. Kelly’s SAFE Exit Act passes committee

WASHINGTON - The Energy and Commerce Committee passed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly's (IL-02) bill addressing safety concerns with electric vehicle doors. The Securing Accessible Functional Emergency (SAFE) Exit Act will establish the first federal standard for electric vehicle doors. In several cases, passengers and drivers have been trapped inside electric cars after a crash or power loss. At least 15 people have died in a Tesla due to its doors not opening after crashing.

"I'm thrilled that my SAFE Exit Act passed with bipartisan support, as safety should never be a partisan issue," said Rep. Kelly. "Innovation and style should never sacrifice people's safety. As manufacturers advance electric cars, we need to ensure basic safety measures still work, such as exiting a car safely. The SAFE Exit implements commonsense safety precautions, and I urge Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the House floor swiftly."

The SAFE Exit Act will require the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a final rule establishing easy-to-find manual releases for electric doors. The SAFE Exit Act was included in the AINS of the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act when it was favorably reported out of committee.