China to ban hidden handles in electric cars

The mainland has announced that starting from January 1st next year, electric vehicles will be banned from using hidden door handles and must be equipped with mechanical release handles.

The move marks the world's first mandatory standard governing car door handles.

Chinese authorities stipulate that electric vehicle models already approved for sale will be given a two-year transition period to modify their designs to comply with the new rules.

In recent years, hidden door handles -- popularised by Tesla -- have sparked concerns and US authorities have begun probes into Tesla over the safety of its concealed door handle design.

Xiaomi vehicles using similar designs have also been involved in two fatal accidents.

In October 2025, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra caught fire after a high-speed collision in Chengdu.

Following a power failure, the door handles could not be opened from the outside and the driver died.

In March, a similar incident in Anhui leading to the death of three passengers aboard a Xiaomi SU7.

According to China Daily, around 60 percent of the top 100 new energy vehicles sold in China last April were equipped with hidden door handles.

Analysts say that as the world's largest EV market, China's new rules are likely to influence global standards for car door handle designs.