China is set to prohibit the use of fully retractable door handles on cars starting January 1, 2027, in response to concerns about how these handles p
China is set to prohibit the use of fully retractable door handles on cars starting January 1, 2027, in response to concerns about how these handles perform in emergencies. The planned restriction is part of new automotive safety rules designed to ensure that doors can still be opened manually, even if a vehicle loses power after a collision.
Under the proposal, light vehicles must be fitted with both interior and exterior door handles that include a mechanical emergency function. Regulators want to make sure that occupants and rescuers can open doors without relying solely on electrical systems — a problem that has arisen during certain accidents.
The updated requirements also lay out technical standards for how door handles should disengage and function when the vehicle’s power is off, along with guidelines for where handles should be placed and how they should be marked. These rules are part of a broader set of safety standards being drafted for vehicles.
Flush, electrically actuated door handles have been popular on many modern electric cars because they reduce wind resistance and give a sleek look. However, users have increasingly complained that these handles can fail in cold weather, pinch fingers, or simply not deploy after a crash.
Public concern rose in response to a fatal crash in Chengdu in October, where first responders reportedly had trouble opening the car’s doors. A similar mishap in another city also raised alarm. In both incidents, vehicles involved featured handles that relied entirely on electronic actuation with no obvious manual backup.
Electric car makers, both domestic and foreign, have faced scrutiny over this issue, with some industry figures questioning the practical safety benefits of retractable designs. The shift toward requiring mechanical backup is intended to make vehicle egress more reliable in all scenarios.
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