China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles amid serious safety concerns. The country becomes the first to prohibit 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 manufactured by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors.
Mechanical Door Access Is 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 being trapped inside vehicles.
The rules take effect on 1 January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued 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. Signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to understand door operation instantly. The rules focus on clarity and speed during emergencies.
Cars already approved and nearing market entry will receive a two-year transition period. These models must update their designs within that time. Authorities want to avoid major disruption to production schedules.
Impact on China’s New Energy Vehicle 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 in China, global effects are likely. China plays a central role in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence vehicle design standards worldwide.
Global Regulators Monitor Safety
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.
