China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting in 2027
a month ago
- #EV
- #automotive
- #safety
- China will ban hidden door handles on cars starting January 1, 2027.
- All car doors must include a mechanical release function, except for the tailgate.
- The policy addresses safety concerns from fatal EV accidents where electronic doors failed.
- Existing car models have until January 1, 2029, to comply with the new regulations.
- Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, BMW’s iX3, and other EVs with retractable handles are affected.
- China is the first major market to formalize this ban into a national safety standard.
- Global impact is expected, with other regions possibly following China’s lead.
- Premium EVs may face costly redesigns as retractable handles are seen as design statements.
- A draft of the rules was published in September 2023 for public comment.
- The U.S. NHTSA previously investigated Tesla’s electronic door handle failures.