China will ban hidden and electronic car door handles starting next year, AP reported. The rule applies to most vehicles, including many electric cars. All doors must have a mechanical release, except tailgates.
Officials said to AP that the move follows safety concerns after fatal accidents. In some cases, electronic door handles failed to open and trapped passengers. The new rule will take effect on 1 Jan, 2027, while older approved models have until 2029 to comply.
Popular EVs like Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y use retractable handles and may need redesigns. Experts say the rule could influence other countries to adopt similar standards. Carmakers may face higher costs to update vehicle designs.
