China has confirmed that hidden door handles, used on many electric cars including Tesla, will no longer be allowed on brand-new models from January 2027. The ban could have a knock-on effect on new cars sold in the UK, according to experts.
Under the new rule, the outside of every passenger door except for the boot must have a recessed space measuring no smaller than 6cm by 2cm by 2.5cm to allow access to a handle.
Global influence of Chinese market
No other country has formally banned hidden door handle designs yet, although US safety regulators previously investigated the issue. However, the size and influence of the Chinese market are likely to mean that any changes to vehicle designs are felt more widely, with manufacturers likely wanting a single model they can sell around the world.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at AutoExpress, suggested that the news was likely to have an “influence” on models sold in the UK.
He explained: “Pop-out door handles have gone from futuristic design feature to potential safety concern remarkably quickly. Tesla helped popularise them, and they’ve since appeared on everything from budget Chinese EVs to premium European models. The problem is that if an accident cuts the power, an electronic door handle can become difficult to use when occupants most need to escape.
Safety concerns and future of electronic handles
“China’s decision to require mechanical door releases both inside and outside the car could have consequences well beyond its borders. Manufacturers won’t want to build completely different cars for different markets, so what happens in China could influence the cars we buy here in the UK.
“And, with the US also looking at tougher rules and Europe reviewing the technology, the days of the flush, electronic door handle could be numbered.”
Hidden door handles may look cool, but they can also have aerodynamic advantages, such as reducing drag and improving battery range. However, the mechanism often relies on a door latch controlled by an electronic mechanism, which requires a signal to operate.
KwikFit said: “In a world where doors need electricity to open, if a car’s battery is flat, or if it's been damaged in an accident, how can drivers and passengers get out? This conundrum is exactly what countries like China have been considering when rolling out their ban on certain car door handle types.”
