China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles due to safety concerns. The decision makes China the first country to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face increased scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents raised alarms among safety authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars made by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures stopped occupants from opening the doors.
New Regulations Focus on Emergency Access
The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media detailed the new requirements. Authorities want to ensure access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim to reduce the risk of passengers becoming trapped.
The rules will take effect on 1 January 2027. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the 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 accessible in emergencies.
Mandatory Interior Door Instructions
Inside each vehicle, visible signs must explain how to open the doors. These signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to react quickly during emergencies. The rules emphasize clarity and ease of use.
Cars already approved and nearing market entry will receive a grace period. These models will get two additional years to update designs. Authorities want to limit disruption to production schedules.
Significant Impact on the NEV Market
Hidden door handles remain widespread in China’s new energy vehicle market. The segment 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 data.
Although the rules apply only to China, global effects appear likely. China plays a key role in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence international standards.
Global Safety Debate Intensifies
Safety regulators in the United States already investigate electric door handles used by Tesla. European authorities also consider similar rules. 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.
