China has officially banned hidden car door handles in electric vehicles due to growing safety concerns. The country is the first in the world to take this step. The move follows several deadly accidents where passengers could not open car doors during emergencies.
The new rule mainly affects electric vehicles, hybrids, and fuel cell cars. These models fall under China’s new energy vehicle category.
Safety incidents push regulators to act
Chinese regulators acted after multiple serious crashes raised alarm. Two fatal accidents involving Xiaomi electric cars sparked major concern. Investigators believe power failures stopped the electronic door systems from working. As a result, passengers could not exit the vehicles in time.
Hidden door handles became popular after Tesla introduced them. Many manufacturers later copied the design. While the handles improve appearance and airflow, they depend heavily on electricity. This creates a risk during crashes or power loss.
New rules require mechanical door releases
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology now requires all passenger doors to include mechanical handles. This applies to both the inside and outside of the vehicle, except for the boot.
Each outside door must include a recessed space large enough for easy access. The space must measure at least six centimeters by two centimeters by two point five centimeters.
Inside the car, clear signs must show how to open the door manually. These signs must meet minimum size requirements so passengers can spot them quickly in emergencies.
Deadline set for new and existing models
The new rules will take effect on first January two thousand twenty seven. Car models already approved for sale will get extra time. Manufacturers have two additional years to update their designs and meet the standards.
This gives carmakers time to redesign doors without pulling vehicles from the market.
Hidden handles dominate the EV market
Hidden door handles are common in China’s electric vehicle industry. Around sixty percent of the top one hundred best selling new energy vehicles use this design. The data comes from figures published by China Daily.
Because China plays a major role in global car production, the ban could influence rules in other countries.
Global impact and Tesla investigations
Safety regulators in the United States and Europe are already reviewing similar designs. In November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into Tesla door handles.
The agency received nine complaints related to Tesla Model Y vehicles from two thousand twenty one. In several cases, doors failed to open. Some owners had to break windows to rescue children trapped inside.
European authorities are also reviewing whether to introduce similar safety rules.
