China Pioneers Ban on Concealed EV Door Handles - AI News Today Recency

# China Pioneers Ban on Concealed EV Door Handles

China has become the first country in the world to officially ban concealed, electrically actuated door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), prioritizing passenger safety amid a series of fatal accidents linked to these sleek designs.[1][2][3] The groundbreaking regulation, issued by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), mandates mechanical releases on both interior and exterior doors starting January 1, 2027, potentially reshaping EV aesthetics and safety standards globally as the world's largest auto market leads the charge.[1][5][6]

Safety Concerns Driving the Concealed EV Door Handle Ban

The ban stems from multiple high-profile fatal crashes in China where power failures prevented doors from opening, trapping occupants inside burning or wrecked vehicles.[1][2][3] Notable incidents include two Xiaomi SU7 Ultra crashes where the lack of visible mechanical exterior handles hindered rescue efforts, even after windows were broken, as the interior releases were not easily accessible.[3][5] Regulators cited at least 15 deaths potentially linked to Tesla-style handles worldwide, prompting China to act decisively after discussions involving over 40 manufacturers, suppliers, and 100 experts since May 2025.[2][6] Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun criticized the handles for negligible aerodynamic benefits outweighed by issues like poor sealing, noise, and power dependency.[7]

Key Details of China's New EV Door Handle Regulations

New rules require all vehicles under 3.5 tons sold in China to feature mechanical emergency opening functions on every door (excluding tailgates), ensuring operability during power outages or collisions.[1][5] Exterior handles must include a recessed handhold at least 60 mm by 20 mm for rescuers to grasp post-crash, with clear interior signage for emergency releases.[1] The ban targets both press-to-pop designs like those on the Tesla Model Y and fully electric extensions like the Kia EV9, while semi-retractable or traditional handles are allowed if equipped with mechanical backups.[3][4] Approved models nearing launch get until January 2029 to comply, softening the immediate impact.[1][2]

Impact on EV Manufacturers and Popular Models

Approximately 60% of China's top 100 best-selling new-energy vehicles, especially luxury models, used concealed handles as of April 2025, affecting giants like Tesla (Model 3 and Y), BMW iX3, Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Xiaomi.[1] As China's massive market influences global design, manufacturers may need costly redesigns, though public reaction on social media has been largely supportive of the safety push.[5][7] The rules exempt gas-powered cars with similar handles for now, focusing on EVs where electronic reliance is higher.[1]

Global Ripples from China's EV Safety Leadership

China's move, reported by Bloomberg and others, could inspire similar regulations elsewhere amid growing scrutiny of hidden handles popularized by Tesla's Model S.[1][2][6] While the policy is China-specific, its influence on international supply chains and design trends is expected to be significant, potentially ending the "futuristic" flush look in favor of reliable mechanical systems.[3][4]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is China's ban on concealed EV door handles? China's MIIT has banned electrically actuated, hidden door handles on EVs starting January 1, 2027, requiring mechanical interior and exterior releases to ensure doors open during power failures or crashes.[1][2][5]

Why did China ban concealed EV door handles? The ban addresses safety risks from fatal accidents, like Xiaomi SU7 crashes, where trapped occupants couldn't escape due to power loss, with at least 15 global deaths linked to such designs.[1][3][6]

Which car models are affected by the ban? Models like Tesla Model 3/Y, BMW iX3, Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng, and Xiaomi EVs with hidden handles are impacted; about 60% of top-selling new-energy vehicles in China used them.[1]

When does the concealed door handle ban take effect? The rules apply from January 1, 2027, with models already approved and launching soon granted until January 2029 to retrofit mechanical handles.[1][2][3]

Do the new rules apply to non-EV cars? Currently, the ban targets EVs; gas cars with similar handles are exempt, though the focus is on electronic designs common in new-energy vehicles.[1]

Will this ban influence EV designs outside China? As the world's largest auto market, China's policy may pressure global manufacturers to adopt mechanical backups, potentially curbing hidden handles industry-wide.[3][6]