China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles Over Safety Concerns

China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles Over Safety Concerns

China is set to implement a ban on hidden car door handles, influenced by safety concerns. The measure, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will take effect from January 1, 2027, mandating all doors except tailgates to feature both interior and exterior mechanical releases. Currently approved Chinese car models have an additional two years to comply with the new regulations.

The decision aims to improve automotive safety design in China. Recent incidents, such as a burning Xiaomi electric vehicle in Chengdu where rescuers faced difficulty opening the doors, have highlighted potential safety issues with sleek, aerodynamic car designs. These designs may lead to operability loss during crashes.

The new rules require all doors except tailgates to be equipped with mechanical exterior door handles and improve interior handle visibility through graphic markings. Electronic or 'flush' door handles were first introduced by Tesla's 2012 Model S, which folded into the car body for reduced drag but increased crash risks.

As the world's largest electric vehicle market, China's move reflects its growing focus on automotive safety. Last year, Chinese firm BYD surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, marking a significant shift in the industry.