China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles following rising safety concerns. The move makes China the first country to prohibit the design feature. Regulators responded to increased scrutiny of electric vehicle safety worldwide. Several deadly incidents intensified pressure on authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars manufactured by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented occupants from opening the doors.
Regulators Prioritise Emergency Door Access
The new regulations permit sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media outlined the scope of the new rules. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power outages. Regulators aim to reduce the risk of passengers becoming trapped inside vehicles.
The rules will take effect on 1 January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the technical standards. Every passenger door except the boot must include a recessed handle area. The space must measure at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm. Officials want doors to remain usable during emergencies.
Interior Door Guidance Becomes Compulsory
Inside the vehicle, visible signs must show how to open each door. These signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to understand door operation instantly. The rules focus on speed and clarity under pressure.
Cars already approved and nearing market entry will receive a transition period. These models will get two additional years to update their designs. Authorities want to balance safety improvements with industrial stability.
New Energy Vehicle Market Faces Adjustment
Hidden door handles remain widespread in China’s new energy vehicle market. The category includes electric cars, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. About 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 implications seem likely. China plays a central role in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence international design trends.
Global Scrutiny of Door Handle Technology
Safety regulators in the United States already investigate electric door handles used by Tesla. European authorities also consider introducing 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.
