China has become the first country to mandate design changes aimed at improving rescue access in car crashes, requiring vehicle doors to be mechanically operable from both inside and outside, such as through a manual handle. The regulation, part of a new national safety standard, will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The rule follows international scrutiny of futuristic, electrically powered concealed door handles — first popularised by Tesla and later adopted by several other automakers — which critics say can fail in emergencies when power is lost. Under the new requirements issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, every passenger door except the tailgate must be equipped with a mechanical release handle that functions independently of the vehicle’s electrical system.
Flush, electrically actuated handles have been widely embraced by EV makers for their sleek look and aerodynamic benefits, but safety officials have raised concerns after several incidents in which rescuers struggled to open doors following crashes or power failures. One high‑profile case involved a Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan in which bystanders had difficulty opening the doors after a collision and fire, delaying rescue efforts.
The new standards also specify requirements for where exterior handles must be placed and how interior handles should be clearly visible and marked. Automakers will have until Jan. 1, 2029 to bring models already approved for sale into compliance with the mechanical handle rule.
China’s status as the world’s largest automotive market means the shift could influence design standards beyond its borders as other regulators consider safety rules for emerging vehicle technologies. (NewsWire)
