China is the first country to announce a ban on "hidden car door handles," commonly used in electric vehicles, following several serious accidents where victims were trapped inside due to electrical system failures. All vehicles must have mechanical door unlocking systems accessible from both inside and outside for safety.
Chinese authorities have announced new regulations prohibiting the use of hidden door handles in electric vehicles (EVs), making China the first country globally to act against this popular design pioneered by Elon Musk's Tesla. This measure comes amid intense scrutiny from global safety regulators after multiple severe accidents, including one involving a Xiaomi EV in China where electrical failure prevented doors from being opened from inside or outside.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) stated that vehicles sold in China must have mechanical door unlocking systems accessible from both inside and outside. The new regulation will officially take effect on 1 January 2027.
Technical requirements specify that on the outside, every passenger door (except the trunk lid) must have a recessed area at least 6 cm by 2 cm and at least 2.5 cm deep, allowing easy access to the door handle in emergencies. Inside the car, there must be clear signs or symbols explaining how to open the door, with dimensions no less than 1 cm by 0.7 cm.
Vehicle models already approved and in final stages before market launch will be granted a two-year grace period to redesign and meet the new standards.
Impact on the current EV market: "Hidden door handles" are very popular in China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market. Data from China Daily shows that over 60% of the top 100 best-selling models use this design for aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency.
Although this regulation applies only to cars sold in China, China's dominant role in the global automotive industry suggests manufacturers worldwide may need to adapt. Additionally, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla door issues after complaints of electrical failures trapping children inside vehicles, forcing some owners to break windows to escape. The European Union is also considering similar regulations.
/BBC