China Bans Hidden Door Handles on EVs: Safety Rules Starting 2027

China just made a big move in car safety. They've banned those sleek, hidden door handles you see on Tesla cars and other EVs. It's the first country to do this. The reason? Safety worries have been building up after some bad accidents.

Think about it. In an emergency, like a crash or fire, you need to get out fast. But if the power fails, hidden handles might not work. That's what happened in a few cases in China. People got stuck inside, and it turned deadly.

Why the Ban Happened Now

This didn't come out of nowhere. There have been more eyes on EVs lately. Worldwide, but especially in China, where EVs are huge. A couple of fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs raised alarms. In those wrecks, power went out, and doors stayed locked. Passengers couldn't escape.

Investigators pointed to the design. Hidden handles rely on electricity to pop out or unlock. No power means no way out. That's scary. China decided that enough is enough. They want to prevent more deaths.

Other countries have looked at this, too. But China acted first. Their market is massive for EVs. Tesla, Xiaomi, and others sell tons there. So, this ban sends a message.

The New Rules Explained

Starting January 1, 2027, every EV sold in China needs mechanical door releases. That means handles or levers that work without power. Both inside and outside the car.

It's simple: pull a lever, door opens. No buttons or sensors that could fail. This applies to all electric vehicles. Not just new models, but any sold after that date.

Manufacturers have time to adjust. About two years. But it's a shift. Cars like Tesla's Model 3 or Model Y use flush handles that blend into the door. They look cool and cut wind drag for better range. Now, those designs must change for China.

How This Affects Car Makers

Big names like Tesla feel the heat. They've built brands around modern, tech-heavy designs. Hidden handles are part of that. Changing them means redesigning doors, testing new parts, and maybe losing some aero perks.

But it's not just Tesla. Chinese brands like BYD, Nio, and Xiaomi must comply too. Xiaomi's recent crashes sped up this rule. They might need to recall or update cars.

Costs could rise. Adding mechanical parts isn't free. And retooling factories takes money. But safety sells. Companies might spin this as a plus: "Our cars are safer now."

Smaller makers could struggle more. They might not have the cash to pivot fast. This could shake up the market, favoring big players who adapt quickly.

Global Ripple Effects

China's rules often spread. Their EV standards influence the world. Europe and the US watch closely. If China proves this saves lives, others might follow.

Tesla sells everywhere. If they change for China, why not globally? Could it standardize safety? Or spark debates: Is tech too risky in cars?

Think about self-driving tech. It's all electric-dependent. This ban highlights a bigger issue: What if power cuts out? Doors are just the start. Batteries, brakes, and steering all could fail.

Consumers might push for this elsewhere. After hearing about trapped passengers, who wants that risk? It could change how we buy cars. Safety over style.

Looking Ahead

This ban marks a turn in EV design. Tech is great, but basics matter. Mechanical backups ensure you can escape, no matter what.

China leads here. As EVs grow, safety rules will too. Makers must balance innovation with real-world needs. For drivers, it's good news. Safer cars mean peace of mind.

In the end, this could make all vehicles better. Not just in China, but everywhere. And that's worth the change. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com