China has announced a sweeping new automotive safety regulation that will ban hidden or retractable car door handles, a popular design feature on many electric vehicles (EVs), starting in January 2027. The move, ordered by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, is aimed at addressing mounting safety concerns after a series of high-profile incidents where electronic handles reportedly failed during crashes and left occupants trapped inside vehicles.
What the New Rule Requires
Under the new safety standard, all passenger vehicles sold in China must be equipped with door handles that feature mechanical release mechanisms that are operable without reliance on electronics — both from the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Cars must also provide sufficient hand operating space on the exterior handles and clear graphic guidance for interior handle use, ensuring doors can be opened manually at all times.
The regulation exempts only tailgates from the requirement but otherwise applies to every door on a vehicle. Automakers must comply with the new designs for new model approvals starting 1 January 2027, while models previously approved have until 1 January 2029 to adapt.
Safety Concerns Behind the Ban
Hidden or retractable door handles — which sit flush with the car body and are activated electrically or via mobile devices — have become a hallmark of modern EV design, boosting aerodynamics and giving vehicles a sleek, futuristic look. However, regulators say these systems have drawn scrutiny for potentially hampering egress in emergencies, particularly when vehicle electronics fail after collisions.
Several incidents reported in China spotlighted these concerns: in one case, rescue workers struggled to open a flashing EV with hidden handles after a crash and fire, delaying efforts to save occupants. Critics argue that in fast-moving emergency scenarios, reliance on powered or signal-based handles can slow or prevent safe exit — particularly if power is lost.
Impact on Electric Vehicle Makers
The ban is expected to have a wide impact on EV manufacturers, both domestic and international. Vehicles from companies such as Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y and other popular EVs with flush-mounted handles will likely need significant design changes to meet the new requirements.
Industry analysts say that while the ban focuses on mechanical safety, it could also reshape future EV styling trends, particularly as China is the world’s largest auto market. The cost of retrofit and redesigns could be meaningful for designers and developers, especially for premium models where flush handles are a key aesthetic element.
Broader Global Regulatory Implications
China’s decision marks the first national ban of its kind globally — setting a precedent that other major automotive markets may watch closely. Observers note that regulators in Europe and the United States have already flagged hidden handles in safety reviews, including probes by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into similar electronic door handle systems on vehicles like Tesla’s.
Some experts predict that other countries could adopt similar standards if safety data continues to show risks related to retractable or flush door handle designs — reshaping international automotive safety norms.
Industry Reaction and Future Directions
Automakers have offered mixed reactions. Chinese manufacturers are already adjusting production plans with transitional timelines, and some, such as BYD, have indicated readiness to modify designs in response to the new rules. Meanwhile, critics of the ban argue that not all flush handle designs are inherently unsafe, especially those with manual override functionality — highlighting a debate over balance between safety and design innovation.
While the regulation still allows some recessed styles with mechanical releases, the industry must now innovate within clearly defined safety parameters — a move that may influence how future EV designs evolve worldwide.
What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, the regulation could mean that future vehicles sold in China will look and feel different from today’s sleeker, flush-handle models. Owners of current EV models with hidden handles may also see this as a shift in priorities toward safety over design aesthetics, particularly in markets where emergency accessibility is paramount.
As implementation begins in 2027, the automotive world will be watching closely to see how manufacturers adapt and whether this safety-first approach influences broader international vehicle standards.
