Door Handles
China finalizes ban on Tesla-style hidden EV door handles
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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.
A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Tesla Model S vehicles from 2023 onward have defective door handles that fail to open during power loss, posing safety risks. The suit argues the design traps occupants, especially in the rear seats, and that Tesla has not addressed complaints or warned consumers. It seeks to represent California residents who own or lease these models.
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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.
The NHTSA has opened an investigation into emergency door mechanisms on about 180,000 2022 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, prompted by a defect petition from an owner trapped in a post-crash fire. This follows a Bloomberg report documenting 15 related deaths and prior scrutiny of Model Y doors.
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New details from Bloomberg's investigation into 15 Tesla deaths linked to electronic door handle failures reveal specific fiery crashes trapping occupants, sparking owner petitions and regulatory demands. As part of ongoing coverage of Tesla's door safety issues, these incidents underscore calls for redesigns amid rising fatalities.