Tesla whined about it citing all the crap they’d have to work around in their design in order to make a normal mechanical linkage. Funny how no other upper tier manufacturer has trouble with all the power windows and window power pre-offsetting for interference fits. They manage to have mechanical linkages.

Why do need this in the first place? So a 2 ton SUV can be 0.0058% more aerodynamic?

These recessed handles usually have some sort of fallback. For me, I don't want rescuers to have a single second of uncertainty of how to open my car. They should be able to quickly yank the door open, not fumble for some recessed/hidden button. Every second counts.

The handles themselves freeze down and won't pop up to allow someone to actually open the door. Freezing rain and sleet and prevent even traditional style handles are known to freeze up and stop working.

Yeah, it's hard. How is it going to come out while there's nothing to grab on to?

E: I dunno who's downvoting me or why. I'm vehemently opposed to electronic door handles of any kind. But if you're going to have door handles that protrude and retract, they're gonna have to necessarily have a motor to push out against ice.