US EditionChina Bans Hidden Car Door Handles over Safety Concerns
- On Monday, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology banned concealed door handles and mandated mechanical releases for cars sold in China, effective Jan. 1, 2027, with a compliance deadline of Jan. 1, 2029 for approved models.
- After several high-profile crashes, a string of fatal incidents in China, including Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan cases, and Bloomberg and U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probes highlighted trapped occupants and emergency-access problems.
- The new rules specify exterior recessed space of 6 centimeters by 2 centimeters , interior signage at least 1cm by 0.7cm, and mechanical release on passenger doors except tailgate.
- Automakers face costly redesigns estimated at more than 100 million yuan per model, affecting Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, BMW iX3, Xiaomi YU7, while some models revert to exposed handles.
- By moving first, Beijing positions China as a regulator whose standards other jurisdictions and global regulators may adopt, though experts warn redesigns will favor higher-margin luxury models and risk stifling innovation.
112 Articles
112 Articles
Although aesthetic, these handles can be a deadly trap when the electrical system is out of service.
China is the first country to ban hidden door handles on cars. Security concerns are mentioned as a reason. Among other things, the US manufacturer Tesla is concerned. According to the new regulations, cars can only be sold in China if they have mechanical unlocking both inside and outside.
In 2027, Beijing will prohibit the sale of cars equipped only with so-called "pinning" door handles, which have been called into question for their aesthetics, however, in a number of dramatic accidents.
China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), becoming the first country to ban the use of the controversial designs made popular by multibillionaire Elon Musk's Tesla. It comes as electric vehicles face scrutiny from safety watchdogs around the world after a number of deadly incidents, including two fatal accidents in China involving Xiaomi electric vehicles in which "power outages" are suspected of preventing the doors from …
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