New Jeep Door Handles Still Work Even When The Battery Dies

Electronic door latches were meant to simplify things, with a cleaner design and fewer visible parts. Now they introduce a new concern, which is what happens when the power is gone.

Jeep looked at that and added a backup solution. On the new Cherokee and other Stellantis models, the doors still rely on electric latches, but not only on the main battery.

The front doors include a manual release, but the rear doors do not, which can become a problem in certain situations. That is where a small detail starts to matter.

Each door handle button contains a capacitor that stores enough energy for a few presses. If the battery dies, you still have two or three chances to unlock the door. It is a small addition, but at the wrong moment, it can make a real difference.

The handles also stay practical. They are not fully flush, so you still have something to grab in an emergency, which adds another layer of usability.

There is also a backup on the driver’s side. The door includes a traditional lock cylinder, so you can still unlock the car with a key even without power.

The system still has its limits, as electronic setups bring added layers. Even so, this setup shows a clear attempt to keep the basics working when it matters most.