In a move that may surprise some, China will ban electrically-powered retractable door handles starting in 2027. While the country has made headlines in the past for safety missteps, this legislation prioritizes common-sense vehicle safety.
Under the new rules, all vehicles manufactured in China must feature both interior and exterior door handles with mechanical release functions. Many experts see it as a practical step the auto industry worldwide could benefit from adopting.
Preventable Deaths Highlight the Need for Mechanical Door Handles
As automakers compete to create the sleekest, most futuristic vehicles, lives have been lost because mechanical door handles were hidden or omitted entirely. In the U.S., a lawsuit against Tesla—following the deaths of three students from smoke inhalation in a Cybertruck—has prompted some automakers to reconsider concealing the mechanical door release behind flaps.
Meanwhile, China has faced its own tragic incidents linked to power loss in electrically operated door handles, underscoring the critical safety importance of accessible, mechanical releases.
In October, a tragic incident involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan claimed the lives of all occupants after bystanders were unable to open the car’s doors. Heartbreaking footage shows people desperately trying to access the vehicle as it burns from the inside. A separate crash, reportedly involving another Xiaomi SU7, also resulted in three fatalities, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety of electrically powered door handles.
A Practical Solution
While retractable door handles can slightly improve aerodynamics, they rely on an electrical current to function. In situations like crashes or fires, that current can fail, rendering the handles inoperable. Some vehicles include a mechanical backup—either a conventional interior handle or, in the case of Tesla and Rivian, a hidden flap that must be located to operate.
The problem with hidden mechanical releases is obvious: passengers often cannot find them in an emergency. Even trained emergency responders may struggle to access the mechanism when breaking glass or attempting a rescue.
China’s response addresses this risk directly. Under the proposed regulations, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must be equipped with interior and exterior door handles that include a mechanical emergency release. The draft rules also specify handle placement and require clear safety markings to ensure accessibility.
Why This Matters
While the impact in the U.S. may be limited, China’s legislation is likely to have global implications. As the world’s largest car exporter, Chinese regulations will affect the design of vehicles sold internationally—most brands are unlikely to vary door mechanisms for different markets. Other regions, including the EU, may follow with similar safety requirements.
This situation also highlights a broader problem: this is a safety issue that arguably shouldn’t require legislation. Automakers like Xiaomi and Tesla have prioritized aesthetics over practicality, creating risks that could have been avoided. Door handles are a mature technology that works reliably without power, and the limitations of electric handles in emergencies are painfully obvious.
