Beijing: China has become the first country to formally move against hidden door handles on electric vehicles, introducing strict new safety rules after a series of deadly accidents raised concerns about emergency access.
The decision follows several fatal crashes involving electric vehicles, including two deadly incidents linked to Xiaomi EVs. In those cases, suspected power failures reportedly left passengers unable to open the doors, triggering alarm among regulators about the risks posed by fully electronic door systems.
Under new regulations issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all passenger vehicles sold in China must be fitted with mechanical door-release systems that function independently of electrical power. The rules require that doors can be opened both from inside and outside the vehicle, even during a total power outage.
Externally, each passenger door must feature a recessed opening measuring at least 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm, ensuring rescuers or occupants can physically access the handle. Inside the cabin, manufacturers must clearly mark the mechanical release points, with minimum size standards set to guarantee visibility in emergencies.
The regulations will come into force on January 1, 2027. Vehicles already approved for sale or nearing market launch will be granted a two-year grace period to redesign their door systems.
Hidden door handles have become a defining design feature of China’s booming new energy vehicle market, which includes electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered cars. Government-linked data shows that around 60 percent of the country’s top 100 best-selling NEV models currently use concealed handles.
While the rules apply only to China, the country’s central role in global auto manufacturing means the impact could extend far beyond its borders. Tesla’s electronic door handles are already under scrutiny in the United States, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation in November after receiving nine complaints involving 2021 Model Y vehicles. In four cases, owners said they had to smash windows to rescue trapped passengers. European regulators are also considering whether similar safety rules should follow.
