Tue, 03 Feb 2026

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns

It makes China the first country to outlaw designs first popularised by Elon Musk's Tesla.

* China has become the first country to ban hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) due to safety concerns.
* The new regulations require EVs to have a mechanical release both inside and outside of their doors for improved accessibility.
* The rules, which come into effect on January 1, 2027, also specify that passenger doors must have a recessed space measuring at least 6cm x 2cm x 2.5cm for the handle, and signs indicating how to open the door inside the vehicle.
* Cars already approved by Chinese authorities will have two years to update their designs before being required to meet the new standards.
* The ban is expected to have a significant impact on the global car industry due to China's large market share, with other countries considering similar regulations.
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