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A Mother And Her Daughter Had An Unexpected Moment While Renting A Tesla: They Got Stuck Inside The Vehicle Because They Didn’t Understand How To Open The Doors. The Episode Highlighted The Challenges Some Users Face When Dealing With Modern Electric Car Technology.
In 2021, a common trip turned into a headache for a mother and her 16-year-old daughter. The two, who were in the United States to visit colleges, found themselves stranded in a rented Tesla Model 3 after the vehicle ran out of charge in the middle of the road.
The unusual and frustrating situation occurred after the rental company offered the electric model as the only available option at the time.
The mother had requested a gasoline or diesel vehicle, but according to her, an employee informed her that only the Tesla was available.
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Even uncomfortable having never driven an electric car, she accepted. Upon arriving at the vehicle, she noticed that the tire pressure was low and that the battery had less than half a charge.
The estimated range was only 150 kilometers, which increased the tension even more.
No Adapter, No Help And No Way Out
The problem escalated when the woman could not locate a Tesla charging station.
The car also did not come with an adapter, which made it impossible to use other types of electric chargers.
The situation spiraled out of control when the car’s battery died, leaving mother and daughter stranded on the side of the road, unsure of what to do.
She called the rental company’s assistance, but according to her account, she did not receive effective help.
To make matters worse, the Tesla doors, which depend on electric power to open normally, did not work anymore.
Not knowing how to activate the manual emergency release system, the two were trapped in the car.
The Tesla Model 3 has an emergency lever near the window switch, but the woman and her daughter were unaware of this function. Both of their phones were also dying, making the situation even more tense.
Trunk Becomes Escape Route
Unable to exit through the doors, the solution found was unusual. A tow truck driver, called on the phone, explained how they could get out of the car: by crawling through the trunk and using the back door latch. An improvised method, but it worked.
After the rescue, the tow truck driver took the two to a nearby hotel.
The next day, with no taxis or rideshare cars available in the area, a hotel employee was paid to take them to their next destination.
After Exposure, Company Refunds Customer
Even after the episode, the story had one more chapter. After returning the vehicle, the woman received charges from the rental company for the costs of charging the Tesla. She refused to pay and was eventually placed on a blocked customer list by the company.
The situation only changed after she shared her story with the American broadcaster CBS News. With the media attention, the company decided to refund all amounts paid by the customer during the ordeal.
In a statement sent to the press, the company acknowledged the problem. “We understand that some customers may be driving an electric vehicle for the first time. That’s why we provide digital materials and other resources to assist them,” said a spokesperson.
They also expressed regret over the incident and confirmed the full refund, including travel expenses.
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