The Chinese government is preparing to implement a strict concealed door handle ban, targeting a design trend that has become popular in recent years. This move comes after serious safety concerns and fatal accidents have labeled the design, pioneered by Tesla, a significant safety risk. According to the new regulations, such designs must comply with new safety standards starting from January 1, 2027.
Why China’s Concealed Door Handle Ban is Happening
Flush or concealed door handles, first introduced by Tesla with the Model S in 2012, were developed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and give vehicles a sleek, futuristic appearance. However, this aesthetic choice has long been criticized for making it difficult for occupants to exit or for rescue teams to access the vehicle quickly after a crash.
Recent fatal accidents in China, including some involving the Xiaomi SU7, were the primary catalyst for this regulatory change. The new rules, announced by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, mandate that all vehicles must have an external mechanical area for manual door opening. Furthermore, this area must meet specific minimum dimensions, and clear instructions on emergency door operation must be provided inside the vehicle.
A Global Trend in the Making?
This issue is not limited to China. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is already conducting a defect investigation into the door handles on Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles. These handles have been reported to fail by freezing shut in winter or becoming inoperable when the electrical system is disabled after an accident, posing a significant risk.
Statistics show that approximately 60% of the top 100 best-selling new energy vehicles in China utilize this Tesla-like technology. Therefore, industry experts predict that China’s decisive action could set a new global standard. It is widely expected that safety agencies in the US and Europe may soon follow China’s lead and impose similar restrictions on this controversial design.
This ban brings the debate over aesthetics versus safety in automotive design back into the spotlight. So, what are your thoughts on the concealed door handle ban? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
