China Bans Hidden Car Handles After Deadly Crashes

China just became the first country to ban those sleek, hidden door handles that pop out electronically on many electric vehicles.

Starting January 1, 2027, every new car sold in China must have mechanical door handles that open without any electronics. The rule applies to both the outside and inside of vehicles.

The decision came after several deadly incidents where people became trapped inside their cars. When crashes damaged electrical systems or drained batteries, the electronic door handles stopped working completely.

A Bloomberg investigation last year uncovered multiple Tesla crashes where first responders and passengers couldn't escape because the electronic locks had no power. While Tesla vehicles do have manual releases inside, many owners don't know they exist. Some are hard for children to reach.

Fatal crashes in China, including one involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan, pushed regulators to take action. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also opened an investigation into certain Tesla models, and some lawmakers have proposed similar regulations.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology spent months developing the new standard. More than 100 industry experts participated in discussions starting in May 2025, along with over 40 vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers.

Major automakers including BYD, Geely, General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen helped draft the rules. Tesla, whose vehicles popularized the hidden handle design, was not listed as an official participant.

The Ripple Effect

This safety rule could influence car design worldwide. When China, the world's largest auto market, sets a new standard, manufacturers often adopt it globally rather than creating different versions for different countries.

The regulation shows how consumer safety concerns can drive meaningful change in an entire industry. What started as a sleek design feature became a recognized hazard, and now it's being phased out.

Other countries are watching closely. The U.S. investigation is ongoing, and regulatory discussions have begun in multiple markets about requiring mechanical backup systems for all vehicle safety features.

China's action proves that style doesn't have to come at the cost of safety.