Chinese officials have announced a ban on concealed door handles for electric vehicles, a design popularized by Tesla, citing safety concerns from fire incidents. The regulation, set to take effect in 2027 according to one report or 2029 per another, requires mechanical release mechanisms to ensure easy access during emergencies. This move positions China as a leader in EV safety standards, potentially influencing global norms.
China is implementing strict regulations on electric vehicle door designs, targeting the flush, hidden handles that Tesla pioneered and which have spread across the industry. The policy responds to high-profile incidents where power failures during EV fires trapped passengers, preventing escape. Bloomberg reports that at least 15 deaths worldwide have been linked to such handles, including two fatal crashes involving Xiaomi's SU7 in 2025.
Under the new rules, vehicles sold in China must include mechanical release mechanisms accessible from both inside and outside. Exterior designs will require recessed spaces for easy handle access, and interiors must feature clear signage on door operation. Approximately 60% of China's top-selling new-energy vehicles currently use these handles, affecting premium models like Tesla's Model Y and Model 3, as well as BMW's iX3. Redesign costs could exceed 100 million yuan ($14.4 million) per model.
Reports differ on the implementation timeline: one source indicates 2027, while another points to 2029. Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility, views this as China establishing itself as a 'rule-setter' in the EV market, which it dominates. 'By moving first, Beijing can use its huge domestic market to lock in safety standards that both Chinese and foreign automakers must follow at home — and that may ultimately travel with Chinese EV exports and influence global norms,' Russo told Bloomberg.
The policy applies only in China but could ripple globally. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an inquiry into Tesla Model Y door handles last September. Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has indicated openness to more intuitive designs. With BYD surpassing Tesla as the world's top EV seller, China is poised to lead on safety measures. 'China's going to play an outsized role in stepping ahead of the rest of the world in setting the regulatory standards,' Russo predicted.