BEIJING, China (AFP) — China will ban hidden or flush door handles on cars starting in 2027, citing safety risks linked to electronic door systems and minimalist vehicle design.
The rule was announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and will take effect on 1 January 2027. Under the regulation, all vehicle doors except the tailgate must be fitted with a mechanical exterior door handle and a mechanical interior release.
Vehicles that have already received approval for sale will be given an additional two years to meet the new requirements, the ministry said.
The regulation applies to all passenger vehicles but is expected to affect electric vehicles more heavily. Many EVs use hidden or electronic door handles as part of designs intended to reduce drag and highlight advanced technology.
Safety concerns have grown in China over door systems that rely on electronics or recessed mechanisms. Authorities said such designs may become difficult or impossible to operate during fires, crashes, or power failures.
Public attention focused on the issue following an incident in October in Chengdu, where rescuers were shown struggling to open the doors of a burning Xiaomi electric vehicle. The driver, who was reported to be under the influence of alcohol, died in the crash. Footage of the rescue attempt spread widely online and prompted debate over vehicle safety features.
Flush door handles were introduced to the mass market with the 2012 launch of the Model S by Tesla. The design later became common among Chinese EV makers, where hidden handles were often paired with software-based access systems and keyless entry.
The ministry said the new rules are intended to raise the overall level of vehicle safety design. The regulation also requires clearer visibility of interior door handles, including the use of permanent graphic markings.
Analysts said the decision shows China’s growing influence over automotive standards. Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility, said China is increasingly setting technical and safety requirements that may be followed in other markets.
China is the world’s largest electric vehicle market and the largest passenger car market overall. Domestic automakers have expanded exports to Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, increasing the reach of Chinese vehicle platforms.
The regulation is expected to affect global automakers that sell the same vehicle designs across multiple regions. Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, said manufacturers will need to choose between making China-specific changes or revising global designs to meet the new rules.
Chinese automakers have also strengthened their global position. Industry data released last month showed BYD sold more electric vehicles than Tesla last year, taking the top spot in annual global EV sales.
The door handle rule adds to a growing list of technical standards that companies must meet to operate in the Chinese market.