China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles over mounting safety concerns. The move makes China the first country to outlaw the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face intensified scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents increased pressure on authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars produced by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors.
Rules Ensure Mechanical Access
The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the requirements. Authorities aim to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators want to reduce the risk of passengers 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 Signs Must Be Clear
Inside each vehicle, visible signs must show how to open the doors. Signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to react quickly during emergencies. The rules emphasise clarity and simplicity in high-pressure situations.
Cars already approved and close to market entry will get a two-year transition period. These models must update designs within the grace period. Authorities want to avoid major disruption to manufacturers.
Significant Impact on China’s NEV Market
Hidden door handles remain widespread in China’s new energy vehicle market. The sector includes electric cars, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. Around 60% of the top 100 best-selling models use hidden handles. Government-controlled newspaper China Daily cited the figures.
Although the rules apply only to China, global effects appear likely. China plays a central role in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence vehicle design standards worldwide.
Global Regulators Keep Watch
Safety regulators in the United States already investigate electric door handles used by Tesla. European authorities also consider 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 door handles suddenly failing. The agency received nine complaints involving 2021 Model Y vehicles. In four cases, owners broke windows to free trapped passengers.
