From 2027, China will ban electric pull‑out door handles on cars, improving crash safety and rescue access. See how this will reshape EV design. Read now.
Starting in 2027, China will prohibit the use of electric pull‑out door handles on all passenger vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. The move follows a string of high‑profile accidents where the electronic mechanisms failed, preventing occupants and rescue crews from opening doors after a crash.
What the New Rule Requires
Under the forthcoming regulation, every vehicle sold in mainland China must be equipped with a mechanical‑type door handle on both the interior and exterior. The mechanical link ensures the door can be opened even if the vehicle’s battery is completely disconnected or the body structure is severely damaged.
Why the Ban Was Considered Necessary
Electric pull‑out handles have become a design staple on premium models such as the Range Rover, Tesla Model S and BYD Seal. Manufacturers tout the flat design for its aerodynamic benefits, claiming it trims the drag coefficient by roughly 0.005–0.01 – a gain that translates to about 0.6 kWh saved per 100 km.
However, real‑world data tells a different story. Since 2024, complaints about these handles have risen sharply. In addition to malfunctioning after collisions, they perform poorly in cold weather and can be difficult for rescue teams to locate or operate.
Recent Tragic Incidents
Two fatal crashes have underscored the danger. On 13 October, a vehicle in Chengdu crashed, and the occupants could not escape because the interior handle was inoperative after the battery shut down. A separate incident in Donglang claimed three lives, also involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra equipped with the same electronic handle system.
Investigations revealed that the interior mechanism relied on a button that ceases to work without power, while the backup mechanical handle was hidden in an obscure position, rendering it useless even when rescuers broke the window.
Impact on Domestic and International Automakers
China now leads the world in automobile exports, surpassing Japan. When local manufacturers redesign their models to meet the new rule, many will likely extend the change to export variants to streamline production and supply chains.
Foreign brands that already sell cars in China—such as Mercedes‑Benz, BMW and Tesla—may need to adopt a global design revision. Aligning with the Chinese standard could become the most cost‑effective route, especially for high‑volume EVs.
Global Ripple Effects
Experts predict the regulation will set a precedent. Safety authorities in other regions are watching closely, and the industry could see a shift back toward traditional mechanical handles as the baseline for crash‑worthiness.
What This Means for Consumers
Buyers can expect future models to feature a clearly visible, tactile mechanical handle inside the cabin, alongside the sleek exterior design. While the aerodynamic advantage of a flush handle is modest, the safety benefit is expected to be significant.
For now, the focus remains on preventing another tragedy caused by an unopenable door.