China is introducing a ban on retractable door handles in cars. According to a publication by The Wall Street Journal, this technology, used by Tesla and several Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, has been deemed unsafe as it may hinder the ability to open the door in an emergency situation.
The new rules, which will come into effect in 2025, require vehicles to have both internal and external mechanical door handles to ensure they can be opened in the event of an accident or power failure.
Retractable handles, which are recessed and not accessible for grasping in their default position, are considered to have advantages in aerodynamic efficiency by automakers. However, many consumers find such designs inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
According to JD Power, in 2024, electric vehicle owners reported difficulties using door handles on average 3.1 times per 100 vehicles.
This decision follows several tragic incidents where passengers were unable to escape from vehicles because the doors would not open. Last year, an investigation was initiated regarding Tesla due to difficulties with the door-opening mechanism on the Model 3.
Chinese regulators stated that manufacturers must revise the designs of door handles for all already approved and currently certified models by January 2029.
