China Takes Bold Step in Automotive Safety with Ban on Hidden Door Handles

In a landmark decision, China has announced a ban on hidden door handles for electric vehicles (EVs), making it the first nation to implement such regulations. This move comes in response to rising safety concerns linked to the design, which has been popularized by Tesla and is now widely used among various new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China. The decision follows several tragic incidents where occupants were unable to exit vehicles due to power failures that rendered these door handles inoperable.

• China becomes the first country to ban hidden door handles on electric vehicles.
• The decision follows multiple fatal accidents attributed to these door designs.
• New regulations require mechanical door releases on both the inside and outside of vehicles.
• The law will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving manufacturers time to comply.
• Approximately 60% of the top-selling NEVs in China currently utilize hidden door handles.

The new regulations, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will require that all passenger doors, except for the boot, have a mechanical release accessible from both inside and outside the vehicle. This change aims to enhance automotive safety design, addressing the critical issue of passenger egress during emergencies. Starting January 1, 2027, all new models sold in China must meet these standards, which include specific measurements for the door handle access points. The outside of each door will need to have a recessed area measuring at least 6 cm by 2 cm by 2.5 cm, while inside the vehicle, instructions on how to operate the door must be displayed prominently.

The controversial hidden door handles, which integrate seamlessly into the body of the car and only pop out when activated, have gained popularity due to their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. However, the design has come under scrutiny following several tragic incidents, including two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi electric vehicles. In these accidents, power failures reportedly prevented rescuers from opening the doors, resulting in loss of life. One such incident occurred in Chengdu, where bystanders were unable to assist an occupant trapped inside a flaming vehicle.

Tesla, the pioneer of the flush-mounted pop-out handle design, has faced its own challenges regarding door safety. In November 2023, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into Tesla's door handles after numerous complaints. Reports indicated that the handles on the 2021 Model Y, Tesla's flagship model, had failed, leaving children trapped inside. Some owners reported resorting to breaking windows to free themselves or their passengers. This scrutiny has contributed to a growing dialogue about the safety of these designs not just in China but across the globe.

The ban on hidden door handles is significant not just for China but for the global automotive industry, given the country's status as the largest EV market in the world. The new regulations are likely to influence vehicle designs worldwide, particularly as other countries consider similar measures in light of safety concerns. The Chinese market's dominance means that changes made within it can ripple through the international automotive landscape.

Despite the challenges posed by the new regulations, many manufacturers have expressed a willingness to comply. Cars that have already received approval and are nearing their market launch will be granted a two-year grace period to adapt their designs to meet the new safety standards. This transitional period is intended to mitigate the impact on manufacturers while prioritizing consumer safety.

As the global EV market continues to grow, the spotlight on safety features will only intensify. The Chinese government's proactive stance is a clear indication of the importance of automotive safety, especially as incidents involving EVs continue to draw attention. With Chinese automakers like BYD surpassing Tesla in sales, the implications of these new regulations could extend far beyond China's borders, potentially reshaping the industry's approach to vehicle design and safety features.

As the automotive landscape evolves, it is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize safety alongside innovation. This recent ban on hidden door handles serves as a reminder that while design aesthetics and efficiency are important, the primary function of any vehicle must always be the safety and well-being of its occupants. The continuing dialogue about EV safety highlights the need for stringent regulations and oversight as the technology advances.

With the implementation of these new rules, China sets a precedent that could inspire similar actions in other countries, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of automotive development. As the world watches, the hope is that these changes will lead to safer vehicles and prevent future tragedies that could stem from design flaws in electric vehicles.

The decision to ban hidden door handles is not merely a regulatory measure; it reflects a broader commitment to public safety in the context of rapidly evolving automotive technologies. The rise of electric vehicles has brought about significant advancements in design and efficiency, but it has also raised new safety challenges that must be addressed. The Chinese government's actions can be seen as a response to these challenges, emphasizing the need for regulations that keep pace with innovation.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the importance of safety features. The hidden door handles, once seen as a symbol of modern design, are now being scrutinized for their potential hazards. The push for mechanical door releases is an acknowledgment that safety should never be compromised for aesthetics.

Moreover, the global nature of the automotive market means that changes in one region can have far-reaching implications. As manufacturers adapt to the new Chinese regulations, they may also reconsider their designs in other markets. This could lead to a shift in how vehicles are designed and built worldwide, with safety becoming a paramount consideration in the development of new models.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp37g5nxe3lo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp37g5nxe3lo https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/feb/03/china-to-ban-hidden-car-door-handles-evs