China mandates mechanical car door handles to improve vehicle safety
China has announced new vehicle safety regulations that will effectively phase out fully concealed or electrically dependent car door handles from 2027. The move makes China the first country to introduce nationwide rules targeting the increasingly popular “hidden” door handle design seen on several modern electric vehicles.
The design, popularised globally by Tesla and adopted by multiple Chinese automakers including Xiaomi, typically relies on electronic actuation. These handles deploy automatically via a key fob, smartphone command or light touch, rather than remaining permanently exposed. While visually sleek and aerodynamically efficient, the system has faced growing scrutiny over safety concerns.
Under the revised technical standards issued by China’s industry ministry, all new vehicles will be required to feature both exterior and interior mechanical door handles. While electrically operated systems can continue to be offered, a physical mechanical release mechanism will become mandatory. Authorities have also laid down specifications governing handle placement and functionality to ensure doors can be opened in emergency situations. Interior handles must be clearly visible and easily accessible.
The updated regulations will apply to newly approved vehicle models starting January 1, 2027. Existing models already on sale will be required to comply by January 1, 2029.
Concerns around concealed handles have surfaced in multiple markets. In the United States, regulators previously initiated a review related to emergency door release mechanisms in the Tesla Model 3. In China, state media reported a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra in which bystanders were reportedly unable to access the vehicle quickly after the accident. While investigations and official clarifications remain limited, such incidents have contributed to broader debate about emergency accessibility in vehicles with electronically operated handles.
China’s decision reflects a growing regulatory focus on functional safety, particularly as electric vehicles introduce increasingly complex electronic systems. The policy aims to ensure that, regardless of technological innovation, a reliable mechanical method for exiting a vehicle remains available in the event of power failure or collision.
