China Implements Ban on Hidden Door Handles for Electric Vehicles Starting 2027 Due to Safety Concerns

China has announced a pioneering regulation to prohibit hidden or concealed door handles on vehicles, a design feature popularized by Tesla and widely adopted by other electric vehicle manufacturers, including many Chinese brands. The policy, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, mandates that all new car models must feature mechanical release mechanisms on both exterior and interior door handles (excluding the trunk or boot) to ensure reliable emergency access. This change addresses growing safety worries following incidents where electronic door systems reportedly failed during crashes, trapping passengers inside and complicating rescue efforts. The rules also specify handle placement, visibility of interior handles, and overall functionality for emergency situations. The ban takes effect for new vehicle models from January 1, 2027, while existing approved models have until January 1, 2029, to comply. China becomes the first country to impose such a restriction, potentially influencing global automotive standards amid ongoing scrutiny of EV safety features in places like the United States, where investigations into similar systems have occurred. The move prioritizes passenger safety over aesthetic or aerodynamic benefits of flush designs, though it may require redesigns for many current EV models sold in the world’s largest EV market.