China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles due to serious safety concerns. The country becomes the first to outlaw the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face growing scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly accidents prompted the move. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars made by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors.
Mechanical Door Access Now Required
The new rules allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the regulations. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim to prevent passengers from becoming trapped inside vehicles.
The rules take effect on 1 January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the technical standards. Every passenger door except the boot must include a recessed handle space. The space must measure at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm. Officials want doors to remain operable in emergencies.
Interior Door Instructions Must Be Clear
Inside each vehicle, visible signs must show how to open the doors. These signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to understand door operation immediately. The rules emphasize clarity and speed during emergencies.
Cars already approved and close to market entry will get a two-year transition period. These models must update their designs within that time. Authorities want to avoid major disruption to production.
Significant Impact on China’s NEV Market
Hidden door handles remain common in China’s new energy vehicle market. The sector includes electric cars, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. About 60% of the top 100 best-selling models use hidden handles. Government-controlled newspaper China Daily cited the figures.
Although the rules apply only in China, global effects are likely. China holds a central role in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence vehicle design standards worldwide.
International Regulators Watch Closely
Safety regulators in the United States already investigate electric door handles used by Tesla. European authorities are also considering similar measures. Officials focus on failures that prevent doors from opening.
In November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. The probe followed reports of electric-powered door handles suddenly failing. The agency received nine complaints involving 2021 Model Y vehicles. In four cases, owners broke windows to free trapped passengers.
