China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

China is banning hidden car door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) starting January 1, 2027, becoming the first country to prohibit the design due to safety concerns. The new regulations, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, require a mechanical release and accessible recessed space for handles on the exterior of all passenger doors, along with interior signage indicating how to open the door. This decision follows scrutiny of EVs after incidents, including fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs, where power failures allegedly prevented door operation. Hidden handles are common in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market, appearing in approximately 60% of top-selling models. While the ban applies only to vehicles sold in China, its significant role in the global car industry suggests a potential worldwide impact, especially as Tesla's door handles are already under investigation in the US and considered for regulation in Europe.

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