China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles to Enhance Vehicle Safety
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has introduced new safety regulations mandating mechanical exterior and interior door handles for all vehicles sold in the country, effectively banning hidden electronic handles. Effective January 1, 2027, with a compliance deadline of January 2029 for existing models, the rule ensures doors can be opened manually during accidents or power failures. This move makes China the first nation to phase out hidden handles, a design popularized by Tesla and adopted by many electric vehicle manufacturers for aerodynamic and aesthetic benefits. The decision follows high-profile incidents, including a fatal Tesla crash in the US and a Xiaomi SU7 fire in China, where electronic handle failures hindered rescue efforts. Industry experts cite risks such as electronic malfunction, freezing in cold weather, and structural weakness. As the world’s largest EV market, China’s regulatory shift signals its emerging role as a global automotive rule-setter, potentially influencing international safety standards through its dominant supply chains and export markets.
Wire timeline
China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles to Enhance Vehicle Safety
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has introduced new safety regulations mandating mechanical exterior and interior door handles for all vehicles sold in the country, effectively banning hidden electronic handles. Effective January 1, 2027, with a compliance deadline of January 2029 for existing models, the rule ensures doors can be opened manually during accidents or power failures. This move makes China the first nation to phase out hidden handles, a design popularized by Tesla and adopted by many electric vehicle manufacturers for aerodynamic and aesthetic benefits. The decision follows high-profile incidents, including a fatal Tesla crash in the US and a Xiaomi SU7 fire in China, where electronic handle failures hindered rescue efforts. Industry experts cite risks such as electronic malfunction, freezing in cold weather, and structural weakness. As the world’s largest EV market, China’s regulatory shift signals its emerging role as a global automotive rule-setter, potentially influencing international safety standards through its dominant supply chains and export markets.
TechNode