China Bans Retractable Car Door Handles Starting 2027
Rules require mechanical releases and recessed hand spaces for new models from Jan. 1, 2027, with existing approvals due by Jan. 1, 2029.
Overview
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued technical rules requiring that all passenger vehicle doors, except tailgates, include a manual external handle or semi‑flush handle with a mechanical release for new models introduced after Jan. 1, 2027.
The measure follows fatal electric vehicle crashes in which retractable electronic handles reportedly failed and trapped occupants, and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defect probe that covers approximately 179,071 2022 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, agency records show.
Analysts warned the rule will force costly redesigns for manufacturers including Tesla, BMW, Xiaomi, Nio, Li Auto and Xpeng, and representatives for Tesla and Xiaomi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
State media reported the retractable design appears on about 60% of the top 100 bestselling new energy vehicles in China, indicating the restriction could affect a majority of models sold there.
The ministry specified a recessed hand space at least 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide, 0.8 inches (2 cm) tall and 1 inch (25 mm) deep and set Jan. 1, 2029 as the compliance deadline for already‑approved models, ministry documents show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this coverage toward regulatory-safety justification: editorial language (e.g., 'worst offender,' 'being a little more proactive') and selection of Tesla and crash-death statistics emphasize risk and policy action, while structural choices (aesthetic-to-safety arc, concluding 'benefit should be clear') downplay industry rebuttals. Reported facts (NHTSA probe, Bloomberg timeline) are source content.
Sources (6)
FAQ
Each passenger vehicle door (except tailgates) must have a manual external handle or semi-flush handle with a mechanical release. It requires a recessed hand space of at least 60 mm wide, 20 mm tall, and 25 mm deep.
History
3 sources