China Takes a Stand on Safety: Hidden Door Handles Banned in Cars Starting 2027
In a move that's set to shake up the automotive industry, China has announced plans to ban hidden door handles on cars starting from next year. The decision comes after a series of fatal accidents involving electric vehicles where electronic doors reportedly failed to operate, trapping passengers inside.China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Takes the Lead
According to details released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all car doors must include a mechanical release function for handles, except for the tailgate. This new requirement will take effect on January 1, 2027, with carmakers having until January 1, 2029, to make design changes to match the regulations.
Tesla and Other EV Models in the Crosshairs
Vehicles including Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, BMW's iX3, and other models by many Chinese brands feature retractable car door handles that could be subject to the new rules. Chris Liu, a Shanghai-based senior analyst at technology research and advisory group Omdia, notes that China is the first major automotive market to explicitly ban electrical pop-out and press-to-release hidden door handles.
Global Impact and Potential Consequences
Liu believes that regulators in Europe and elsewhere will likely reference or align with China's approach. The new requirements would impact premium EVs more, as retractable door handles are often seen as a design and aerodynamic statement. Carmakers will be facing potentially costly redesigns or retrofits to comply with the new regulations.
China's decision to ban hidden door handles on cars starting from 2027 is a significant step towards prioritizing safety in the automotive industry. As other jurisdictions may follow suit, carmakers must adapt to these changing regulations and ensure that their vehicles meet the necessary standards. The impact of this move will be felt globally, and it remains to be seen how the industry will respond to this new challenge.
