China Officially Bans Hidden EV Door Handles Over Safety
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved a new safety regulation that bans fully hidden and electronically actuated car door handles for vehicles sold in the country.
The rule, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, mandates that every door (except the tailgate) must feature a mechanical handle with manual release accessible from both inside and outside the vehicle. Models already approved for sale will have until January 1, 2029 to transition to compliant designs.
Why the Change Matters
Automakers have increasingly used flush-mounted and electronically-controlled door handles, a design popularised by Tesla, to improve aerodynamics and exterior styling.
These handles retract into the bodywork and pop out only when unlocked, creating a smoother vehicle profile. However, safety advocates and regulators argue that reliance on electronic mechanisms can hinder emergency access if the vehicle loses power or is damaged in a crash.
Recent incidents involving electric vehicles, including cases where door handles failed to operate after accidents, contributed to global concern about rescue accessibility and occupant safety.
Scope and Compliance Requirements
Under the new rule, both exterior and interior door handles must support mechanical release functionality that does not depend on the vehicle’s electrical system. Semi-hidden handles, where the handle sits flush but provides a defined recessed space for hand access, may still be allowed if they meet minimum space requirements and mechanical usability criteria.
The regulation also requires clear interior signage to guide occupants on how to open doors manually.
The decision positions China as the first major automotive market to outlaw concealed door handles outright, a move that could influence global vehicle design trends given China’s status as the world’s largest car market.
