China to Ban Concealed Door Handles on Electric Vehicles Following Safety Concerns
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Beijing is set to become the first nation to mandate mechanical door releases in all new electric vehicles (EVs), a move prompted by a series of tragic accidents and growing global scrutiny of the increasingly popular, yet potentially dangerous, design pioneered by Tesla.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced regulations on Monday requiring all cars sold within the country to feature a mechanical release mechanism on both the inside and outside of every door, excluding the boot. The new rules, slated to take effect on January 1, 2025, aim to “improve the level of automotive safety design,” according to the ministry.
The Rise of the Flush-Mounted Handle and Mounting Safety Fears
The sleek, flush-mounted door handle design—first popularized by Tesla’s Model S in 2012—integrates the handle into the vehicle’s door, utilizing electrical signals to activate the latch. While offering a slight aerodynamic advantage by reducing drag, this design has faced increasing criticism due to safety concerns. Approximately 60% of the top 100 bestselling new energy vehicles in China—encompassing both EVs and hybrid cars—currently employ this type of handle, according to state media reports.
The shift in policy comes after several high-profile and deadly accidents where occupants were trapped inside vehicles following power failures, unable to activate the electronic release mechanisms. These incidents have spurred safety watchdogs worldwide to re-evaluate the design.
In October, a fatal collision in Chengdu involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan highlighted the dangers. Bystanders were reportedly unable to open the vehicle to rescue the driver before it was engulfed in flames. Similarly, a tragic incident in the United States has led to a lawsuit against Tesla. The parents of a teenager killed in a 2024 crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck are suing the company, alleging that the vehicle’s electric doors locked the four passengers inside after a fire disabled the power system, resulting in three fatalities.
New Regulations Detail Specific Requirements
The new regulations stipulate that every car must provide a hand-operable space measuring at least 6cm x 2cm x 2.5cm to allow for manual door release. Furthermore, clear signage within the vehicle will be required to instruct occupants on how to operate the manual release.
Manufacturers already in the final stages of launching vehicles have been granted a two-year grace period to comply with the new standards. However, all vehicles released after January 1, 2025, will be required to meet the new safety requirements, forcing significant redesigns for many Chinese automakers.
China Leads the Way in EV Safety Standards
China’s decision underscores its growing influence in the global EV market. As the world’s largest EV market, with dozens of domestic brands expanding internationally, China’s regulatory decisions carry significant weight. Recent statistics indicate that BYD surpassed Tesla in EV sales last year, becoming the leading EV manufacturer globally for the first time.
This move by China to prioritize safety in EV design could set a precedent for other countries, potentially leading to a global shift towards incorporating mechanical releases in all new electric vehicles. The regulations represent a critical step in addressing the inherent risks associated with increasingly sophisticated automotive technology and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.
