China has become the first country in the world to ban hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), a move that is expected to reshape vehicle design standards both locally and internationally. The decision follows rising safety concerns linked to modern flush or concealed door handle designs, particularly during accidents, fires, or power failures when passengers may struggle to exit vehicles quickly.
The new regulation, issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), is scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. Under the rules, all passenger vehicles sold in China must be equipped with mechanical door release systems on both the inside and the outside of the car. This requirement applies to all doors except the boot.
According to the regulation, the exterior of each passenger door must include a clearly defined recessed area measuring at least 6 centimetres by 2 centimetres by 2.5 centimetres to allow easy access to a physical handle. Inside the vehicle, manufacturers must install clear and visible instructions indicating how to open the doors manually. These signs must measure at least 1 centimetre by 0.7 centimetres, ensuring that occupants can quickly identify the release mechanism in emergencies.
The policy comes amid mounting public and regulatory pressure following several high-profile incidents involving EVs with hidden door handles. Of particular concern were reports of fatal crashes involving Xiaomi electric vehicles, where power failures allegedly made it difficult or impossible for occupants or rescuers to open the doors in time. These cases intensified scrutiny of designs that rely heavily on electronic systems rather than mechanical backups.
China’s booming new energy vehicle (NEV) market has widely embraced hidden door handles, which are often promoted for their aerodynamic efficiency and sleek appearance. Industry data shows that nearly 60 percent of the top 100 best-selling EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles in China currently use concealed or flush door handle designs. As a result, the new rules will require significant redesign efforts across a large segment of the market.
To ease the transition, the MIIT has granted a two-year grace period for vehicles that have already been approved for sale. Manufacturers will be expected to update existing models within this window to comply with the new safety standards. Failure to do so could result in vehicles being barred from the Chinese market, one of the largest and most competitive automotive markets in the world.
Although the ban is limited to China, its implications are expected to be global. China is a dominant force in EV manufacturing and innovation, and design decisions made for its domestic market often influence global production lines. Automakers that sell vehicles internationally may opt to standardise designs across regions rather than produce China-specific versions, effectively exporting the new safety standard worldwide.
The regulation also adds pressure on companies already facing scrutiny elsewhere. Tesla, which helped popularise hidden and flush door handles, is currently under investigation in the United States by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The probe focuses on Tesla Model Y vehicles following reports that door handles failed unexpectedly, leaving passengers, including children, trapped inside. In some cases, occupants reportedly had to break windows to escape.
In Europe, regulators are also reviewing whether current vehicle safety frameworks adequately address the risks posed by electronic door systems. While no continent-wide ban has been announced, industry observers believe China’s decision could accelerate regulatory action in other regions, especially as EV adoption continues to rise.
Automotive safety experts have largely welcomed China’s move, arguing that basic mechanical access should never be compromised for design aesthetics. They note that while advanced electronic systems offer convenience under normal conditions, they can become critical failure points during fires, floods, or electrical malfunctions. In such scenarios, seconds can make the difference between life and death.
Manufacturers, however, face a complex balancing act. Hidden door handles have been marketed as symbols of innovation and modernity, and removing them may affect vehicle branding and consumer perception. Companies will now need to invest in redesigning door mechanisms that meet safety requirements while maintaining efficiency, style, and cost competitiveness.
For Chinese consumers, the regulation is expected to improve confidence in EV safety at a time when adoption is accelerating nationwide. China remains the world’s largest EV market, and policymakers have consistently emphasised that safety must keep pace with technological advancement.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, the automotive industry is likely to see a wave of design revisions, compliance testing, and regulatory engagement. What began as a domestic safety measure could ultimately redefine global norms for vehicle door design, reinforcing the principle that innovation should never come at the expense of basic passenger safety.
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