China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles

China has become the first country to ban hidden car door handles on vehicles sold within its borders, effective January 1, 2027. The India — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced new regulations requiring all car doors to have both interior and exterior mechanical releases, with specific design requirements for grip space and interior signage. This decision follows a series of high-profile incidents, including fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs, where power failures allegedly prevented doors from opening, trapping occupants. The ban targets a design popularized by Tesla, Inc. and widely adopted by approximately 60% of top-selling new energy vehicles in China. While the regulations primarily affect the Chinese market, their influence is expected to extend globally, as China is a major player in the EV industry. Automakers like EITC and Geely — Geely Auto Group have already begun reverting to traditional handle designs, while others, including Tesla, Inc., BMW, Nio, Li Auto, and XPeng, will need to redesign their models to comply. The United States' United States — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and European regulators are also investigating similar safety concerns, suggesting a broader international shift in automotive safety standards.