China has emerged as the first nation worldwide to implement a comprehensive ban on concealed door handles in electric vehicles, establishing groundbreaking safety regulations that will reshape automotive design standards. This decisive move by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology comes amid growing international scrutiny of EV safety mechanisms following several high-profile incidents involving power failure-related entrapments.
The new regulatory framework, set to take effect January 1, 2027, mandates that all passenger vehicles sold in China must feature both internal and external mechanical door releases. Exterior handles require a recessed space measuring at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm for accessibility, while interior compartments must display clear instructional signage measuring no smaller than 1cm by 0.7cm.
This regulatory shift addresses a widespread design feature prevalent in approximately 60% of China’s top-selling new energy vehicles, including pure electric, hybrid, and fuel cell models. The controversial hidden handle design, popularized by Tesla and adopted by numerous manufacturers including Xiaomi, has faced increased examination after multiple safety incidents where electrical failures prevented door operation during emergencies.
While the regulations specifically target the Chinese market, industry analysts anticipate global ramifications given China’s substantial influence in automotive manufacturing and EV adoption. The move aligns with ongoing investigations by U.S. safety regulators into Tesla’s door mechanisms, particularly concerning the 2021 Model Y vehicles where multiple complaints documented instances requiring window breakage to rescue trapped occupants.
Automakers with previously approved vehicle designs will receive a two-year grace period to implement necessary modifications, providing substantial lead time for industry-wide compliance with the new safety standards.