China to Ban Hidden EV Door Handles Citing Crash Safety Concerns

New Regulation Targets EV Door Handles

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has issued a new regulation that will ban hidden or flush-style car door handles on all electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the country. The mandate, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, for new models, is a direct response to growing safety concerns, particularly in emergency situations.

This makes China the first major global auto market to formally outlaw concealed door handles, a design feature that has become prevalent in modern EV aesthetics. Vehicles that have already received type approval will be granted a transition period, with compliance required by January 1, 2029.

Safety Concerns Drive Policy Change

The primary motivation behind the ban is safety, specifically the risk posed by hidden or electronically actuated door handles during crashes, fires, or electrical system failures. Regulators cited incidents where these handles failed to deploy or required power to function, making it difficult for occupants to escape and for first responders to gain access to the vehicle.

One high-profile incident that intensified scrutiny involved a burning Xiaomi EV in Chengdu, where rescuers reportedly struggled to open the doors. Such occurrences have highlighted the critical need for reliable, mechanically operated door mechanisms that function independently of a vehicle's electrical system.

Specific Requirements and Industry Impact

Under the new regulations, all passenger car doors, excluding tailgates, must be equipped with visible, mechanically operated door handles accessible from both the inside and outside. Key requirements include:

• A mechanical release mechanism that operates independently of the vehicle's electrical system.
• Exterior handles must provide a minimum hand-operation space of 60mm x 20mm x 25mm.
• Interior handles will require improved visibility, including permanent graphic markings to indicate their operation.

This policy is expected to significantly impact numerous EV manufacturers, including prominent brands like Tesla, BYD, Xiaomi, and NIO, which have widely adopted flush door handle designs for their aerodynamic and aesthetic benefits. The shift will necessitate redesigns across the industry to ensure compliance with China's new safety standards.