China has become the first country to ban flush, electronically actuated door handles on electric vehicles, citing safety concerns over emergency access. The new regulation, effective January 1, 2027, requires mechanical releases that function without power. This move targets a design popularized by Tesla and adopted by other EV makers amid growing scrutiny from deadly crashes.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology finalized a ban on concealed EV door handles on February 2, 2026, marking the world's first such prohibition. The rule stems from safety worries that sleek, flush-mounted handles—often electronically actuated—can hinder escape during emergencies if power fails or rescuers struggle to locate them.
The design, first popularized by Tesla across models like the Roadster, Model S, and Model 3, offers aerodynamic benefits but has drawn criticism. Tesla's handles extend via actuators or manual pushes, while similar features appear on vehicles from Xiaomi, Lucid, and Rivian. High-profile incidents, including the deaths of three California teenagers trapped in a Cybertruck due to hidden mechanical releases and reinforced glass, have fueled global concerns. Reports indicate at least 15 deaths linked to such handles worldwide.
Under the regulation, each door must have an exterior handle with a mechanical release operable without tools, even after a crash or battery thermal event. Handles must provide a hand operating space of at least 60 mm × 20 mm × 25 mm relative to the body surface. Clear markings are also required to avoid confusion, addressing issues like unmarked Model 3 handles.
The ban was proposed in September 2025 as part of broader EV safety drafts. Vehicles launched after January 1, 2027, must comply, with a grace period until January 2029 for models already approved and in late design stages. This could force redesigns across the industry, especially in China, the largest EV market. In the US, the NHTSA is investigating similar issues, and Tesla has pledged handle redesigns. Observers expect the policy to influence global standards, prioritizing safety over minor aerodynamic gains.
