China is the first nation to prohibit concealed car door handles.

      Credit: Tesla

      China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has recently issued the Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles. The regulation stipulates that all vehicles sold in China, except for tailgates, must feature mechanical exterior and interior door handles. Even if the vehicle is locked due to an accident or power failure, the doors must be operable manually. This regulation prohibits the use of hidden door handles typically found in electric vehicles, making China the first country to begin phasing out this design.

      According to MIIT, the new regulation will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Vehicles that have already been approved by regulators and are slated to enter the Chinese market must alter their designs to meet these new requirements by January 2029.

      This initiative indicates China’s shift from being the largest electric vehicle market globally to becoming a key player in setting international standards for automotive technology, garnering significant attention from the global automotive sector.

      Tesla

      Hidden door handles were first introduced by Tesla and were subsequently adopted by many Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, serving as a distinctive feature that differentiates new energy vehicles from conventional gas-powered cars. These handles can be operated through a remote key, smartphone, or manual pressing. Automakers have promoted this design as a means to enhance the technological appeal of vehicles and minimize aerodynamic drag.

      In recent years, led by Tesla’s design, hidden door handles have quickly gained traction due to their modern look. However, concerns about their safety risks have become increasingly evident.

      In November 2024, a Tesla Model S in the United States crashed into a tree and caught fire. Various media reports citing lawsuit documents indicate that the vehicle’s power system was compromised after the crash, and the doors reportedly could not be opened in time, resulting in the deaths of all five passengers inside.

      In October 2025, a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle in China caught fire. After the incident, the doors were difficult to open, igniting public discourse about the practicality of hidden and electronic door handles when a vehicle loses power.

      Xiaomi

      Industry experts highlight three primary safety issues associated with fully hidden door-handle designs. The handles may not unlock if the electronic system fails, could freeze in cold weather, and may lack adequate mechanical strength, increasing the risk of breakage.

      The new standard explicitly requires that door handles include a mechanical release mechanism, ensuring that doors can be manually opened even if the vehicle loses power or is involved in a collision.

      While the new regulation currently applies only to the Chinese market, China’s position as the world’s largest producer and consumer of new energy vehicles allows its standards to influence other countries. Domestic manufacturers have already started adjusting their door-handle designs for vehicles intended for the Chinese market. Through exports of electric vehicles and global supply chains, China's standards may increasingly transform into widely accepted international norms.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai. She focuses on consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Connect with her via e-mail: [email protected]. More by Jessie Wu