China Puts the Brakes on Hidden Car Door Handles

Have you ever seen those smooth, pop-out door handles on Tesla cars? Well, China just decided they're not worth the risk. The government announced a ban on these hidden handles, making it the first country to do so, all in the name of safer roads.

The news dropped on February 2, 2026, from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Starting January 1, 2027, every new car sold there needs visible, mechanical handles on both the inside and outside of doors, except the trunk. Some models already in the works get a two-year grace period to switch over, but after that, no exceptions.

It's a big shift for automakers who've loved these designs for their sleek look and better airflow. Why the change? It boils down to emergencies. In crashes or fires, electronic handles can fail if the power cuts out, trapping people inside. There've been scary stories, like one where rescuers struggled to open doors after an accident. Officials want handles that anyone can grab quickly, no buttons or sensors needed.

The rules even specify a minimum size for the grip area to make sure it's easy to use. This hits Tesla hard, since they've made hidden handles a signature feature. But it's not just them, plenty of Chinese EV companies use them too for that futuristic vibe. They make cars look cooler and cut down on wind resistance. Still, when it comes to real-life dangers, then no compromise on that. So, this could push global car makers to rethink their designs. Safety wins out.

Credits: CNN & others

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