China has announced groundbreaking regulatory measures that will prohibit vehicles from featuring concealed door handles starting in 2027, establishing the world’s first comprehensive safety standard addressing this controversial automotive design. The policy shift comes amid growing international scrutiny over the potential safety hazards associated with flush-mounted handle mechanisms popularized by Tesla and subsequently adopted by numerous Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including technology giant Xiaomi.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology unveiled detailed technical specifications mandating that all automobile doors must incorporate both exterior and interior mechanical release mechanisms. Under the new framework, while innovative electrical handle designs remain permissible as supplementary features, mechanical operation capabilities will become compulsory safety components. The regulations explicitly outline requirements for handle positioning, visibility, and operational functionality to ensure emergency access remains possible during accident scenarios.
This regulatory development follows a tragic incident reported by Chinese state media in October, wherein a driver of a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan perished in a collision as bystanders struggled to locate and operate the vehicle’s concealed door handles while the car was engulfed in flames. Concurrently, United States automotive safety authorities have initiated defect investigations into Tesla’s emergency door release systems, highlighting transcontinental safety concerns regarding modern handle designs.
Implementation will occur in phases: newly developed vehicle models must comply with the handle requirements by January 1, 2027, while existing approved models receive until January 1, 2029, to undergo necessary design modifications. This measured approach provides manufacturers with adequate transition periods to redesign door systems while prioritizing occupant safety through mechanical redundancy systems.