In an effort to address safety concerns, China has announced plans to ban hideaway door handles commonly found on electric vehicles (EVs), including Tesla models, starting in 2027. The new regulations will require mechanical releasing door handles on both the interior and exterior of cars, specifying where they should be located, how they should operate, and how manual interior releases should be designed for emergency situations.
This move comes after a high-profile incident involving a crashed Xiaomi SU7, which bystanders struggled to open due to the design. Similar incidents have occurred with multiple Tesla models in the United States, including the Cybertruck, which has been involved in two high-profile incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The ban aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by these types of door handles. While some argue that mechanized hideaway systems increase drag, they also offer efficiency gains in EVs, leading to increased range.
However, non-mechanized designs may provide a smaller benefit without adding complexity. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, safety regulations will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of transportation.