The Door Handle DilemmaAutomakers cannot seem to leave simple mechanisms alone, often turning them into more complicated systems in the name of innovation, or whatever one chooses to call it. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a case in point, with its electronic door “handles,” which could pose safety risks if the vehicle's battery dies.According to Carscoops, however, Stellantis is on top of things and has laid out backup measures in case such an unfortunate situation occurs. Jeep interior design chief Ryan Nagode said each door is equipped with a small capacitor that can provide at least 2 or 3 unlock cycles. That is not much, but it could prove crucial, especially in the event of an accident. After all, similar door designs have already been the subject of lawsuits after passengers were reportedly trapped inside when a fire broke out. Backup Measures in FocusUnlike a battery, a capacitor does not hold power for long, but it can deliver short bursts of electrical energy, making it an ideal solution for this issue. Front passengers also get a manual backup release, giving them another option if the battery loses power. Stellantis has also added a lock cylinder on the outside of the driver’s door, allowing the key fob holder to gain access.Nagode described this series of measures as a form of redundancy, saying, “If the complete system is dead, there’s actually a little bit of energy left to unlock that door. So there’s redundancy in the system, and anytime you see one of our vehicles, that redundancy is baked in.” The Balance Between Tech and SafetyAll of this could have been avoided if traditional mechanical door handles had been used, but such changes seem inevitable in an industry that continues to push for new technologies.But in China, new safety rules taking effect in 2027 for new vehicle models will require mechanical door handles, along with clearer interior release markings, in a move aimed at helping prevent injuries or fatalities when doors cannot be opened due to an electrical failure. Given that China is the world’s largest car market, such mandates could force automakers to rethink these designs, with possible implications for their global models.For now, the Jeep Cherokee enters its sixth generation for the 2026 model year with a starting price of $35,000 in the U.S. (excluding destination fees), though production has recently been paused due to a supplier dispute.