Don't Get in a Crash in a Cybercab
The item is a Hacker News post about a Tesla Cybercab First Responder Interaction Plan (a Texas Department of Public Safety mirror, via AI6YR Ben). It describes how first responders should interact with a Cybercab Robotaxi that is in the roadway or in a dangerous position: they can manually move the vehicle using its on-board controls, but should request that a Tesla representative provide guidance or assistance. First responders requesting help moving the vehicle must be in uniform and ready to present their badge or official identification to the camera on the vehicle's B-pillar; a Tesla representative can then verify the first responder's identity and grant access to the vehicle controls.
The guide also covers emergency egress hazards. After a safety-critical event, the doors are designed to unlock automatically, but if there is insufficient low-voltage power there is a chance they will not unlock as intended, and severe collisions may make doors mechanically difficult to operate, potentially requiring extrication. If low-voltage power is unavailable and the windows are fully rolled up, the door windows may crack or shatter when opened with the interior manual release handles. The cross car beam reinforcing the dashboard is made of glass fiber, reinforced plastic, and steel; the plastic and fiber portions are brittle and can shatter under high load.
Other warnings concern door hardware, the battery enclosure, and transport. When doors or the area around the door struts are damaged, preloaded door springs can pop out when the door opens; responders should access the vehicle from an undamaged door when possible, open both damaged doors with caution, note that there is a lower chance of springs popping out if the door does not fully open, and wear appropriate PPE. The high-voltage battery enclosure is the floor of the cabin, with no floor pan between the cabin and the enclosure, and only a thin layer of high-strength steel; the battery pack should never be compromised with rescue tools. Never push on the floor from inside the Cybercab or exert downward force with a sharp rescue tool, since doing so can breach the high-voltage battery or damage high-voltage cables and cause serious injury or death. The vehicle should never be transported with wheels on the ground, as that can cause significant damage and overheating; in rare cases, extreme overheating may cause surrounding components to ignite.
The excerpt notes there are numerous more instances and recommends reading the guide, especially in markets where Cybercabs are operating. It frames the broader issue: electric cars present different challenges for first responders, replacing highly flammable gasoline with high-voltage batteries, and any vehicle mangled in a wreck can become a dicey rescue situation. After reading all 28 pages, the author says they genuinely feel bad for anyone who has to deal with one of these in an accident: occupants have limited escape options, while rescuers and bystanders—who probably haven't read the guide—may face additional hazards.