China is set to ban flush-mounted and retractable car door handles beginning January 1, 2027, due to growing safety concerns. The decision comes after research into over 230 vehicle models revealed potential risks during emergencies, where occupants could be trapped if electrical systems fail after a crash.
Mounting Evidence of Danger
The move follows multiple incidents and lawsuits, including at least 15 deaths in the U.S. involving Tesla vehicles where doors failed to open post-collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating these cases.
Similar concerns surfaced in China last year when a driver died trapped inside his Xiaomi SU7 after an accident. These events prompted the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MITT) to conduct a public consultation, ultimately leading to the ban.
New Regulations Mandate Mechanical Release
Under the new rules, vehicles under 3.5 tonnes must feature both mechanical interior and exterior door handles with an emergency release function. This ensures occupants can exit, even if the electrical system fails, and emergency services can gain access.
MITT’s technical requirements specify easy-to-identify handles with sufficient operating space, mounted no more than 300mm from the door’s edge. The goal is to avoid situations where power loss traps individuals inside.
Global Impact and Industry Response
The ban could significantly affect global car manufacturers, as designing vehicles with two separate door handle systems adds costs. Currently, Tesla, Mercedes, Porsche, and other major brands use retractable handles to improve aerodynamics, particularly in electric vehicles.
Tesla’s Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has stated the company is working on a solution to comply with the new regulations. Existing vehicles have 25 months to adapt, but the ban applies immediately to new designs.
This decision underscores the importance of prioritizing safety over design trends. While flush handles may improve vehicle aesthetics and efficiency, they cannot compromise occupant survivability in emergency scenarios.
The Chinese market is the largest in the world, making compliance essential for automakers. The ban may set a precedent for other countries, forcing manufacturers to rethink door handle designs globally.
