Chinese authorities are introducing strict restrictions on the use of retractable door handles, which have become standard for modern electric vehicles. The decision comes amid growing safety concerns.
According to new rules developed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, starting next year, all new cars must have both internal and external door handles that can be opened mechanically, including in the event of an accident or power outage, writes The Wall Street Journal.
In addition, the new regulations precisely define the placement of handles inside and outside the cabin and oblige manufacturers to install an informational sign with operating instructions near the interior handle.
As noted by the ministry, the adopted measures are aimed at "improving the level of safety in car design."
In recent years, the popularity of retractable handles has steadily grown, especially in the segment of electric vehicles, which are rich in various high-tech solutions. In the US, popular models with this feature include Tesla and Hyundai Ioniq cars. In China, this design feature has become particularly widespread, as about half of new cars sold on the market are electric vehicles or hybrids.
Unlike traditional handles that protrude from the door surface and can always be grasped by hand, a retractable handle in its normal state is "recessed" into the body. It pops out only when necessary: either automatically when the owner approaches with a key or smartphone, or after pressing it manually. Automakers justified the use of such mechanisms by wanting to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic efficiency.
However, practical user experience has shown that this function is often inconvenient or even dangerous. According to data from analytical agency J.D. Power, in 2024, owners of battery electric vehicles complained about handle problems with a frequency of 3.1 incidents per 100 vehicles, significantly higher than the 2020 figure of just 0.2 incidents.
As for the interior, in some modern models, doors open with an electronic button. Many of these cars also have a mechanical emergency release lever, but it is often positioned so as to remain invisible to passengers. Last year, the US road safety regulator launched an investigation into Tesla, stating that the mechanical emergency release lock in the 2022 Tesla Model 3 was not easily accessible.
As the publication notes, the decision by Chinese authorities was made after a series of tragic incidents. For example, in October last year, an accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra resulted in at least one passenger being trapped inside the cabin because the door could not be opened. This Xiaomi model is equipped with retractable handles. Xiaomi has not yet provided official comments regarding this incident.
For car models that have already undergone the approval process and are preparing for market launch, Chinese regulators have set a deadline: manufacturers must change the handle design by January 2029.
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