China to Prohibit Flush Door Handles on New Cars Starting 2027
In a significant move aimed at enhancing automotive safety, China has announced a ban on flush or hidden door handles for all new passenger vehicles sold in the country. The regulation, set to take effect from January 1, 2027, will require car manufacturers to incorporate a mechanical door release mechanism in their designs.
Safety Concerns Drive Regulatory Decision
The decision by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology follows growing safety concerns linked to serious electric vehicle accidents. In several incidents, electronic door mechanisms reportedly failed after crashes, leaving occupants trapped inside the vehicles. Regulators have highlighted that door handles dependent entirely on electrical systems pose a serious risk during emergencies, particularly when power supply is disrupted due to collisions or other malfunctions.
This new mandate applies to all vehicle doors except the tailgate, ensuring that primary entry and exit points remain accessible even in power failure scenarios. Carmakers with models that have already received regulatory approval will be granted an extension until January 1, 2029, to update their designs and comply with the new safety requirements.
Popularity and Risks of Flush Door Handles
Flush-fitting and retractable door handles have become increasingly common in modern automotive design, especially among premium electric vehicles. Models such as the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BMW's iX3, and numerous Chinese-brand EVs utilize pop-out or press-to-release handles that sit flush with the vehicle body. While these handles are often marketed for their sleek aesthetics and minor aerodynamic advantages, they offer little to no real-world benefit in daily use.
Beyond safety issues, users have reported minor injuries while operating unfamiliar press-type handles. More critically, concerns persist about external access to vehicles during crashes or power failures. Since these systems rely on motors, sensors, and additional electronics, they increase vehicle complexity, add weight, and elevate manufacturing costs without delivering meaningful usability improvements.
Implications for the Indian Automotive Market
In India, flush door handles are currently limited primarily to premium cars and electric vehicles, but their presence is gradually expanding. Given the safety risks identified in China, Indian regulators may need to closely evaluate the relevance of such design elements for the domestic market. The case for adopting similar safety measures in India is strengthened by the potential hazards associated with electronic door mechanisms during emergencies.
As the global automotive industry shifts towards electrification and advanced design features, balancing innovation with safety remains paramount. China's proactive stance on this issue could influence regulatory frameworks worldwide, prompting other nations to reassess the safety standards for modern vehicle designs.
