China Bans Hidden Electric Door Handles on EVs
China is implementing a ban on hidden electric door handles in electric vehicles (EVs). This decision aims to enhance safety and prevent incidents where individuals become trapped inside their cars. The regulation will take effect on January 1, 2024.
Details of the Ban
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that all vehicles sold in China will be mandated to have mechanical door handles. This requirement applies to both the inside and outside of the vehicles. The ban specifically targets concealed handles that are designed to retract and align flush with the car’s doors.
Background and Safety Concerns
These concealed handles gained popularity through manufacturers like Tesla. According to reports, more than 60 percent of the top 100 hybrid and electric vehicles sold in April 2025 included this design feature. However, the decision to ban them stems from various safety concerns.
- Numerous incidents reported people struggling to open their vehicles when using electronic door handles.
- One notable case involved a fatal collision with a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra in Chengdu, China, where the electronic door handle malfunctioned post-impact, trapping the driver.
- This incident highlighted the potential dangers of relying solely on electronic mechanisms during emergencies.
Global Context and Investigations
Concerns regarding electronic door handles extend beyond China’s borders. Recently, Tesla’s handles have come under scrutiny in the U.S. due to similar safety complaints. The company is redesigning these handles to integrate both electronic and manual release mechanisms into a single button.
A Bloomberg investigation revealed over 140 reports in the U.S. since 2018, related to doors failing to open properly. This further emphasizes the need for enhanced safety features in modern vehicles.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, safety regulations like this one in China are vital. They ensure that innovation does not compromise the well-being of consumers.
