Beijing: China has become the first country in the world to ban the use of hidden door handles in electric vehicles (EVs) due to safety concerns. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced new regulations mandating that all new electric vehicles sold in the country must have door opening mechanisms that can be easily grasped and pulled from both the outside and inside. The regulations specifically prohibit the use of purely electric doors with concealed handles, a design popularized by Tesla. The primary concern is safety during accidents, as concealed handles are typically electrically operated. In the event of a serious collision, a malfunction in the electrical system could prevent the doors from opening, hindering rescue operations, especially in cases involving fire.

According to Thai News Agency, Chinese authorities are hastening the enactment of this law following severe criticism over multiple serious accidents. Notably, two Xiaomi electric cars were involved in crashes that resulted in fires, where electrical failures prevented the doors from opening, leading to fatalities. These incidents have intensified the call for regulatory changes.

The new regulations will officially take effect on January 1, 2027, for new electric vehicles seeking registration. Existing models already authorized for sale will be granted a grace period for necessary modifications until 2029. This measure is poised to directly impact major electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla, Xiaomi, Nio, Xpeng, and BYD, who will be required to redesign their car doors to comply with the new Chinese market standards.