China to ban hidden door handles on cars starting 2027

China announced plans to ban hidden electronic door handles on vehicles, a move that will significantly impact Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers operating in the world’s largest automotive market.

The new regulation, released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Monday, mandates that all car doors must include mechanical release functions for handles, with the tailgate being the only exception. The policy comes in response to safety incidents where electronic door systems reportedly failed during accidents, trapping occupants inside vehicles.

The requirement will take effect on January 1, 2027, giving automakers nearly three years to comply with the new standard. For vehicle models that have already received regulatory approval, manufacturers have until January 1, 2029, to implement the necessary design changes.

This regulation directly affects numerous popular electric vehicles currently sold in China, including Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, which feature flush, retractable door handles that extend only when needed. BMW’s iX3 and various models from Chinese automakers that have adopted similar door mechanisms will also need modifications.

Chris Liu, a Shanghai-based senior analyst at technology research firm Omdia, noted that China’s decision could have far-reaching implications for the global automotive industry. “China is the first major automotive market to explicitly ban electrical pop-out and press-to-release hidden door handles,” Liu said. “While other regions have flagged safety concerns, China is the first to formalize this into a national safety standard.”

The regulation represents a significant shift in automotive design trends, where retractable door handles have become increasingly common, particularly on premium electric vehicles. Manufacturers have embraced these sleek designs not just for aesthetic appeal but also to improve aerodynamics, which can extend vehicle range by reducing drag.

Liu suggested that regulators in other major markets like Europe may follow China’s lead on this safety issue. The decision puts particular pressure on premium electric vehicle brands, where retractable handles have become “a design and aerodynamic statement,” according to Liu.

The announcement follows a period of public consultation after a draft of the proposed rules was published by the ministry in September. The finalized regulation comes amid increased global scrutiny of EV safety features.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously launched an investigation into similar concerns with Tesla vehicles, where electronic door handles reportedly failed to function properly during emergencies. This parallel regulatory attention suggests growing international awareness about potential safety risks associated with purely electronic door mechanisms.

For automakers, compliance will likely involve significant redesign efforts and manufacturing adjustments. Companies may need to develop hybrid solutions that maintain the aerodynamic and aesthetic benefits of flush handles while incorporating mechanical backup systems that function during power loss or system failures.

The regulation represents another challenge for foreign automakers operating in China’s highly competitive electric vehicle market. Tesla, which operates a major manufacturing facility in Shanghai, has enjoyed strong sales in China but faces increasing regulatory oversight and intense competition from domestic manufacturers like BYD, NIO, and Li Auto.

As the world’s largest automotive market and a crucial battleground for electric vehicle adoption, China’s regulatory decisions carry substantial weight in shaping global industry standards and design practices. This latest safety requirement demonstrates the country’s willingness to set stringent rules that could influence vehicle designs worldwide.