Biker16 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 https://www.autoblog.com/news/china-is-banning-tesla-style-retractable-door-handles-over-safety-concerns Quote China Is Banning Tesla-Style Retractable Door Handles Over Safety Concerns From 2027, cars sold in China must have manual door releases after electronic handles failing during crashes. Tesla and other brands will need design changes Premium automakers, especially those deep in the EV space, have developed a notable affection for retractable door handles, famously found on all Tesla models. They look clean, reduce drag, and fit the futuristic image many electric cars aim for. But while the design wins style points, safety concerns have piled up. China has now drawn a line in the sand. From January 1, 2027, retractable EV door handles will no longer be allowed on new vehicles sold in the country. Regulators argue that electric-only mechanisms can trap occupants during collisions or power loss, turning something as basic as opening a door into a life-or-death challenge. Why China is Stepping In China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently released draft rules requiring all vehicles under 3.5 tons to have both interior and exterior handles with a mechanical emergency release. The idea behind it is straightforward. If a crash disables the battery or wiring, doors must still open manually. Many EVs already include mechanical releases inside the cabin, but owners often struggle to find them or find them difficult to operate under pressure – sometimes they don’t work at all. Cold-weather failures, delayed deployment, and pinched fingers have also fueled frustration. This conversation isn’t limited to China either. Earlier this month, a Rivian owner publicly called for more obvious emergency exit handles after struggling to locate them during a power failure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 I saw this.....but don't most Chinese models have flush door handles? So what am I missing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 46 minutes ago, rmc523 said: I saw this.....but don't most Chinese models have flush door handles? So what am I missing? Flush is ok if they're still mechanical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 2 hours ago, akirby said: Flush is ok if they're still mechanical. But don't they usually have a motor to push the handle out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 7 hours ago, rmc523 said: But don't they usually have a motor to push the handle out? The ones I've seen you press on one side and it pops out then you pull it to open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 1971-1973 Ford Mustang exterior door handles were pretty "aero" at the time....I guess what's old is new again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 9 hours ago, akirby said: The ones I've seen you press on one side and it pops out then you pull it to open. Hm, the article featured pictures of that type and mentioned model Y, so wasn't sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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