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China sets new safety rules for EV door handles
China will become the first country to prohibit concealed door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) starting in 2027, following safety concerns linked to power failures that trapped occupants during emergencies.
Regulations take aim at Tesla-style designs
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that all passenger vehicles-excluding trunks-must include a mechanical release accessible from both inside and outside the car. External handles must fit within a recessed space of at least 6 cm by 2 cm by 2.5 cm, while interior door-release indicators must measure no smaller than 1 cm by 0.7 cm.
Deadly crashes prompt action
The policy shift follows two fatal accidents in China involving Xiaomi EVs, where investigators suspect power failures prevented doors from opening. Similar incidents have drawn scrutiny from global regulators, including the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which launched an investigation into Tesla's Model Y door handles last November after reports of malfunctions trapping children inside.
Of the nine complaints filed with the NHTSA, four required owners to break windows to free passengers. European authorities are also evaluating potential regulations for hidden handles.
Market impact and transition period
Hidden handles appear in roughly 60% of China's top 100 best-selling new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include EVs, hybrids, and fuel-cell models, according to China Daily. While the ban applies only to vehicles sold in China, the country's dominance in the global auto market suggests the rules could influence manufacturers worldwide.
Vehicles already approved for sale will have until 2029 to comply with the new standards.
Industry response
Tesla, whose flush door handles popularized the design, has not commented on the Chinese regulations. The company's handles are already under review by U.S. and European safety agencies, with some owners reporting sudden failures during use.
"Safety innovations must prioritize accessibility in emergencies," a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology told state media.
Timeline
- 1 January 2027: New rules take effect for all passenger vehicles sold in China.
- 1 January 2029: Deadline for previously approved models to update designs.
