China Prohibits Concealed Car Door Handles on Electric Vehicles Due to Safety Concerns, Mandating Design Modifications by 2027
China prohibits concealed EV door handles due to emerging global safety issues, prompting manufacturers to reengineer their vehicles in accordance with new regulations.
China has taken the significant step of banning hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting safety concerns as the primary reason for this decision. The initiative focuses on designs that gained popularity through Tesla and other manufacturers, as alarming incidents, including fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs, have highlighted concerns regarding door access during power outages.
Beginning 1 January 2027, the new regulations mandate that all vehicles be equipped with mechanical door releases accessible from both the interior and exterior. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology mandates that each passenger door’s exterior (excluding the boot) must include a recessed area measuring at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm for handle access. Inside, there must be clear signs measuring at least 1cm by 0.7cm that indicate how to open the door.
Vehicles that have received approval for sale will be granted a two-year period to revise their designs. Hidden handles are prevalent in China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market, found on approximately 60% of the top 100 best-selling EVs, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles.
The ban, while limited to China, is anticipated to have a worldwide impact given the country’s significant role in the automotive sector. Tesla is currently under scrutiny as the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates its Model Y door handles. This follows reports of sudden failures that have left passengers, including children, trapped inside the vehicle. Certain owners took to breaking windows as a means of escape. European regulators are contemplating comparable actions.
