China Bans Hidden Car Handles After Fatal Crashes

Imagine being trapped in a burning car because the door handles won't pop out. That nightmare scenario happened multiple times in China, and now the country is doing something about it.

China just announced that starting January 1, 2027, all cars sold there must have mechanical door releases that work without power. The rule targets those sleek, flush door handles that sit flat against the car body, looking smooth and futuristic but creating deadly problems in emergencies.

The change follows several tragic crashes where people couldn't escape their vehicles. In October 2024, a Xiaomi SU7 sedan hit a barrier in Chengdu and caught fire. Bystanders rushed to help but couldn't open the doors because the electronic handles failed.

A similar incident happened in Virginia in December 2023. An off-duty firefighter spotted a couple trapped in their burning Tesla Model Y, but the passenger door wouldn't budge because the electronic system had failed.

The problem isn't just crashes. Some drivers have been locked out of their cars when the handles froze over in cold weather, unable to get inside without calling for help.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology worked with dozens of automakers including Tesla, BYD, Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen to draft new safety requirements. The timing matters because 60% of the top 100 selling EVs in China currently use these hidden handles.

The Ripple Effect

The ban sends a powerful message that good design should never sacrifice safety. China proved that major global brands can adapt quickly when lives are at stake.

Other places are catching on. Illinois Representative Robin Kelly proposed similar legislation last month requiring manual door releases in all new cars. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 handles last September.

The irony is that these handles were meant to make EVs better. By reducing air resistance, they can add a few extra miles of range. Car designers loved how they made vehicles look cleaner and more modern.

But those marginal benefits pale next to the ability to escape a burning vehicle or rescue someone trapped inside. Traditional handles or semi-hidden ones with finger space underneath offer the same sleek look without the deadly downside.

For countries still allowing these designs, China has done the hard work. The research is complete, the safety standards are written, and major automakers have already agreed to comply.

India, where Tesla's Model Y and the popular MG Windsor EV both feature hidden handles, could be next to adopt similar rules. Other markets would be wise to follow before more preventable tragedies occur.

Sometimes the best innovation is knowing when to stick with what works.