China intends to ban hidden door handles in cars sold in the country starting next year, moving away from the minimalist design popularized by American company Tesla, due to safety concerns.
The new regulation, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Monday, will take effect from January 1, 2027. It mandates that door handles must be equipped with mechanical opening mechanisms for both the inside and outside.
The ministry clarified that Chinese car models already approved for market release will be granted an additional two years to comply with the rule. It added that the new regulation will improve vehicle safety design standards.
Safety Concerns
Concerns have recently grown in China regarding the safety of flush car doors, which reduce air resistance but are prone to malfunction in the event of accidents.
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In October, rescue workers were unable to open the doors of a burning ‘Xiaomi’ electric vehicle in Chengdu, southwestern China. The driver, who reports indicated was under the influence of alcohol, died.
The new regulation specifies that all doors, except for the trunk lid, “should be equipped with an externally operable mechanical door handle.”
The ministry noted that other rules will improve the visibility of interior door handles, including a requirement for permanent graphic markings on them.
China is the world’s largest market for electric vehicles and is seeing dozens of Chinese brands expanding their activities abroad.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
Tesla
Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company founded in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, though it is most famously led by CEO Elon Musk. The company is named after the inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla and has played a pivotal role in popularizing electric cars globally with models like the Roadster and Model S.
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is a cabinet-level executive agency of the People’s Republic of China, established in 2008 as part of a government restructuring. It is responsible for regulating and formulating policy for China’s industrial sectors, telecommunications, and the development of information technology and software industries.
BMW
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, is a German multinational company founded in 1916, originally manufacturing aircraft engines before transitioning to motorcycles and automobiles. It is now globally renowned as a premium manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles, headquartered in Munich, Bavaria.
Chengdu
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China, historically serving as a major administrative and commercial center since its founding over 2,300 years ago during the Shu Kingdom. It is globally renowned as the home of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and for its profound cultural heritage, including Sichuan opera and distinctive spicy cuisine.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi is a Chinese multinational electronics company founded in 2010, known for its smartphones, smart home devices, and a wide range of consumer electronics. It rapidly grew to become one of the world’s leading smartphone manufacturers by leveraging an online-focused sales model and offering high-specification devices at competitive prices.
