Retractable door handles have become common on EVs in the last few years. Tesla popularised this design choice with the Model S in 2012, because hidden handles improved aerodynamics by creating a seamless, flush surface while also giving cars a sleek, futuristic look.
Kelechi Edeh
Now, that design trend may be coming to an end in China.
Under a new regulation from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), starting January 1, 2027, all vehicles sold in China weighing under 3.5 tonnes must include mechanical exterior and interior door handles.
Regulators say the problem is simple: during a crash, power loss or a severe weather condition, retractable doors are more likely to fail. When they do, occupants can become trapped, and emergency responders may struggle to gain access. A Bloomberg analysis reinforced these concerns, linking at least 15 deaths in EV-related incidents to Tesla doors that failed to open.
The MIIT argues, that mechanical handles reduce that risk. In emergencies, they’re easier for passengers to operate and faster for first responders to force open.
This new regulation will not only affect Tesla. A wide range of other EVs sold in China would also be affected, including models from BYD, Mercedes -Benz and Zeekr. To continue sales in China, these car models would have to adjust their door handle designs to match the new regulation.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
China isn't the only country the topic of retractable door safety has been a concern as of late. In the European Union (EU), regulators through the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) are currently considering suitable action regarding electric flush door handles in vehicles because of safety concerns, particularly the risk of occupants being trapped after a crash or power failure.
In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also raised questions. The agency recently ordered Tesla to provide detailed information related to investigations into potential safety defects tied to its retractable door handle designs.
Although the US is not proposing an outright ban of retractable doors like China. If Tesla fails to respond or does not seek an extension, it could face fines of up to $27,874 per violation per day, with a maximum penalty exceeding $139 million.
For carmakers, the implications are significant. Millions of vehicles in China could require redesigns or recalls, forcing manufacturers to explore alternatives that preserve aerodynamics without sacrificing reliability. While for buyers, this could mean mid-cycle design changes or delayed EV launches.
There’s a historical parallel here. Pop-up headlights were once a cool aesthetic feature of sports cars in the 1970s and 1990s, before safety regulations pushed them out of fashion. Retractable door handles may be heading down the same path.
How carmakers react to this new regulation could define the next generation of EV designs in China and the world at large. But one thing remains clear: if a carmaker wants to stay competitive in the world’s largest EV market, giving up retractable door handles may be a compromise it can no longer avoid.
