China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced new safety regulations, effective January 1, 2027, that ban hidden, electronically actuated car door handles in favor of mechanical releases on all doors (except tailgates). This rule targets a design feature popularized by Tesla and now common among many electric vehicles (EVs) in China. The regulation requires both external and internal mechanical door releases to ensure occupants can exit vehicles safely in emergencies. The move follows several fatal incidents where occupants were trapped due to electronic door handles failing, often because of insufficient power to the locking mechanism. China is the first country to implement such a ban, prompted by safety concerns highlighted by crashes involving Tesla and other EVs, including a notable incident with a Xiaomi SU7 sedan. The Chinese government collaborated with over 40 domestic manufacturers, parts suppliers, and testing institutions, alongside more than 100 industry experts, to develop the new standard. Major automakers such as BYD, Geely, SAIC,