China plans to introduce a ban on fully retractable door handles on new vehicles from 2027, prioritising safety and emergency accessibility, potentially reshaping global automotive design standards.

China is apparently gearing up to bring in a pretty significant change in how car door handles are designed—one that might influence the entire industry globally. According to recent reports, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is planning to ban fully retractable, or flush, door handles on new vehicles starting from July 2027. The main reasons behind this move seem to be safety issues and some practical limitations. Now, while semi-retractable and traditional door handles will still be allowed, these new rules will also require manufacturers to include mechanical redundancy systems that can ensure the doors work properly, especially in emergencies.

This proposed ban comes amid rising concerns in China’s automotive scene about the shortcomings of fully retractable door handles, which have become especially trendy with electric vehicles because they look sleek and are claimed to improve aerodynamics. Industry folks are raising alarms about safety—the handles can sometimes fail during crashes or power outages. In fact, real-world crash data indicates that these handles malfunction in more than 30% of side-impact collisions, which can be pretty dangerous since they might block escape routes or access in critical moments. Plus, these systems tend to add weight—around 7 to 8 kilograms per vehicle—and they don’t actually deliver that much in terms of aerodynamic improvements. The reductions in drag are tiny—about 0.005 to 0.01 in the drag coefficient—which, on everyday drives, translates to barely any energy savings at all.

Things really picked up urgency after some tragic incidents, like the crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 where the difficulty in opening the hidden door handles reportedly hampered rescue efforts. Public outcry and detailed accident reports have pushed MIIT to draft new rules, which will require electric vehicles with concealed handles to have mechanical backup opening systems. These backups need to work independently of the vehicle’s electrical system and must be able to withstand significant impact forces—making sure that people can get out or get in safely during emergency situations. Manufacturers are also expected to standardize the use of fluorescent markings near door handles to help people identify them quickly, especially in a crisis.

This move by China marks the first time the government is seriously stepping into the design standards of automotive door handles, with mandatory requirements set for passenger cars, cargo vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, and multipurpose vehicles. The safety standards are being developed hand-in-hand with key industry research institutions like the China Automotive Technology & Research Center, as well as major automakers such as Geely and Li Auto. In particular, they’re testing these handles for durability under extreme conditions—think high heat exposure, like flames reaching up to 800°C, and strong impacts. The draft standards also address the risk of handles deploying accidentally during rollovers or if a vehicle drops, preventing sudden egress that could be dangerous.

Manufacturers will have until mid-2027 to adapt, redesign, and validate their handle systems—so there’s a transition period. Big international brands, like Volkswagen and Audi—who have a strong presence in China—are already shifting towards semi-retractable handles that strike a better balance between safety and sleek design. Interestingly enough, this regulation isn’t just a Chinese thing; given China’s huge role in global auto manufacturing and sales, it’s likely to influence design trends around the world.

Over in Europe, there are similar safety concerns now; for example, the German Automobile Club (ADAC) recently raised alarms about fire risks associated with flush door handles. So, the industry is rethinking the trend toward hidden handle technology altogether. It’s pretty fascinating—what started as a pursuit of aerodynamic gains and futuristic looks is now shifting toward prioritizing safety and reliability in emergencies.

Experts think that China’s new standards might encourage other countries to follow suit, introducing comparable rules for emergency mechanical overrides and standardizing concealed door handle designs globally. This trend reflects a broader push—an emerging consensus, perhaps—that vehicles need to incorporate advanced tech but without sacrificing occupant safety or dependable operation, especially when it really counts in an emergency.

As automakers adapt to these evolving regulations, the industry supply chain and aftermarket sectors will also face new challenges and opportunities. This could mean redesigning components, setting up new testing procedures, or updating maintenance protocols—so close cooperation between manufacturers, parts suppliers, and regulators will be key to making everything work smoothly.

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Source: Noah Wire Services