China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles after safety concerns intensified. The decision makes China the first country to outlaw the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face closer scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents raised alarms among safety authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars built by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors.
Emergency Access Takes Priority
The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media published details of the rules. Authorities want to guarantee access during crashes and power outages. Regulators aim to prevent passengers from becoming trapped inside vehicles.
The rules will 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 area. The space must measure at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm. Officials want doors to remain accessible in emergencies.
Mandatory Door Instructions Inside Vehicles
Inside each vehicle, visible signs must show how to open the doors. These signs must measure at least 1cm by 0.7cm. Regulators want passengers to understand door operation immediately. The rules emphasise clarity during stressful situations.
Cars already approved and close to market entry will receive a transition period. These models will get two additional years to update their designs. Authorities want to avoid sudden disruption to manufacturers.
Broad Impact on the New Energy Vehicle Sector
Hidden door handles remain common in China’s new energy vehicle market. The segment 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 data.
Although the rules apply only to China, global consequences appear likely. China holds a powerful position in the global automotive industry. Regulatory changes there often influence international vehicle standards.
Global Regulators Monitor Similar Risks
Safety regulators in the United States already investigate electric door handles used by Tesla. European authorities also consider similar regulations. 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.
