China Bans Tesla-Style Hidden Door Handles, Citing Emergency Safety Risks
China has announced a nationwide ban on Tesla-style hidden car door handles, citing concerns that the design poses serious risks during emergencies. The regulation makes China the first country in the world to prohibit the feature and will apply to all vehicles sold in the country starting January 1, 2027.
Hidden door handles, which sit flush with the vehicle body and rely on electronic mechanisms to open, have become common in electric vehicles due to their sleek design and aerodynamic benefits. The feature was popularized by Tesla and later adopted by several global and Chinese automakers. However, Chinese regulators say such systems can fail during accidents, particularly when a vehicle loses electrical power.
In a statement, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said electronic door handles may become inoperable after collisions or fires, delaying passenger escape and obstructing rescue efforts. Authorities said the rule is intended to ensure that vehicle doors can always be opened manually in emergency situations.
Under the new standards, all cars sold in China must be equipped with mechanical door-release mechanisms on both the interior and exterior. Exterior handles must allow enough space for hands to operate the release manually from any angle, while interior handles must be clearly visible and easy for occupants to locate.
The policy does not target any specific automaker, but it will require manufacturers that use flush or retractable handles to redesign future models for the Chinese market. Vehicles already approved for sale before the regulation takes effect will be given a transition period to comply with the new safety requirements.
The ban follows a series of high-profile accidents in recent years in which occupants were reportedly trapped inside vehicles because doors could not be opened after crashes. Incidents involving both foreign and domestic electric vehicle brands have intensified scrutiny of electronic door systems in China.
As the world’s largest automotive market, China’s decision could influence global vehicle safety standards. Industry analysts say the move signals a broader regulatory shift toward prioritizing emergency accessibility and passenger safety over design aesthetics, particularly as electric vehicles become more widespread.
