China is preparing to eliminate one of the most recognizable design features of modern electric vehicles. Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will require all passenger vehicles sold in the country to use mechanical door handles that continue to function after a crash or power loss, effectively banning the retractable, electronically operated handles popularized by Tesla and widely adopted across the EV industry.
The move follows the release of draft regulations by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in September, which were open for public comment until November 22, 2025. Those draft regulations are now approved, and mandate that vehicles weighing under 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with both interior and exterior door handles featuring mechanical emergency releases.
While many EVs do include mechanical releases inside the cabin, drivers and passengers often struggle to find them under stress—or discover they don’t work as expected.
The new rules will not affect Tesla alone. Chinese automaker BYD and many other premium brands also offer models with flush or electronically operated handles.
Tesla has already said it is redesigning its door handles, although it is unclear when those changes will make their way into production.
Automakers have long promoted flush door handles as aerodynamic wins, but studies suggest the real-world efficiency gains are minimal, often amounting to only fractional improvements in range. Meanwhile, complaints about cold-weather failures, delayed deployment, and poor visibility of emergency releases have increased since their inception.
China’s decision could have global ripple effects. Safety agencies in other markets, including the NHTSA in the United States, are already examining concerns over Tesla’s door handle design, and similar regulations could be enacted in North America.
Related Stories:
• NHTSA launches probe into Tesla Model Y door handles
• China Eyes Ban on Flush Car Door Handles Over Safety Concerns
• NHTSA Evaluating Complaint Over Tesla Model 3 Emergency Door Handles
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