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China Bans Tesla's Signature Door Handles
3 Feb
Summary
- China mandates mechanical door releases on all cars by 2027.
- New rules target hidden, electronically actuated door handles.
- Safety concerns cited for ban after fatal occupant entrapments.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced new safety regulations mandating mechanical door releases for all vehicles sold in the country, effective January 1, 2027. This directive will prohibit the hidden, electronically actuated door handles, a design feature that became synonymous with Tesla and is now common on many electric vehicles in China.
The new policy requires each door, excluding the tailgate, to be equipped with an external mechanical release. Additionally, a mechanical release must be present on the interior of the vehicle. This regulatory shift stems from mounting concerns over fatal incidents where vehicle occupants have been trapped.
Investigations in September uncovered issues with Tesla's concealed handles, where power failures prevented doors from opening, leading the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open a defect investigation. While Tesla vehicles have internal manual releases, their accessibility and user awareness have been questioned.
Similar safety concerns, including a crash involving a Xiaomi SU7, prompted Chinese regulators to propose these changes last year. The development process involved over 40 domestic manufacturers and numerous industry experts, with the final standard framework agreed upon after extensive discussions.
