But a flat handle doesn't need to be electric. Literally every aircraft built in the last fifty years has used a flat/recessed door handles. From the biggest 747 to the smallest Cessna, they all have manual levers that fold flat to reduce drag. All are designed to last essentially forever despite constant use. None of them need electricity to open.

At least in the Model Y(which I'm familiar with), I believe the door handles are electrically actuated because the car also needs to slightly roll down the window before allowing the door to open, which allows them to not have the normal metal frame around the window.

> which allows them to not have the normal metal frame around the window.

Why did this become a feature? My old Mini Cooper had this and I hated it. Passengers would pull on the area they were used to pulling on and often this is where the metal frame is, but in the absence of a frame they pull on the glass and it had a very concerning look to it.

There are quite a few vehicles that do this without an electric door release, for example the Dodge Challenger. I think the whole idea was pioneered by the domestic automakers over a decade ago.

FWIW my Polestar 2 has a 300 mile range and regular door handles.

Sure, but it would have a 301.5 mile range if they flattened those door handles!

You could also reach the 301.5 mile range by going on a diet/skipping breakfast. Win-win.