In China, a new ban on the use of hidden door handles in the design of electric vehicles will come into effect on January 1, 2027. According to updated safety regulations released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all cars sold in the domestic market must be equipped with mechanical means of opening doors from both the inside and outside.
This is reported by Finway
Reasons for the New Standards
The decision was made in response to a number of tragic incidents that highlighted the safety of electric vehicles. Two fires involving Xiaomi electric vehicles in China received particular attention when power failures prevented the doors from opening, resulting in fatalities as people were unable to escape the vehicle. For models that have already received regulatory approval and are in the process of preparing to enter the Chinese market, a transitional period until January 2029 is provided for making the necessary design changes.
Impact of the New Regulations on the Global Market
Although the new requirements apply only to electric vehicles sold in China, experts predict that due to the country’s significant influence on the global automotive market, these standards may serve as a model for other nations. As noted by Bill Russo, founder of the Shanghai consulting firm Automobility,
“China is significantly ahead of others in the commercialization of some advanced technologies. It is far ahead in electrification and, I would say, will be even further ahead in autonomous driving technologies. China will play a disproportionately large role in shaping regulatory standards, outpacing the rest of the world.”
In addition to the restrictions on the use of hidden door handles, the Ministry of Public Security of China is preparing additional safety measures. In particular, there are plans to introduce limits on the acceleration speed of vehicles from a standstill, as well as to strengthen oversight of driver assistance systems.