China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles Made Popular by Tesla

China is banning hidden door handles on all cars sold in the country, becoming the first nation to target the feature — popularized by Tesla but long criticized over safety risks, Jessie Yeung reported for CNN.

Although Tesla is the most well-known brand using the design, other Chinese EV makers — including Xiaomi and Aion — have adopted similar handles. (Photo: GAC)

Hidden door handles are a signature feature of Tesla vehicles, and the ban comes as the company reports declining global sales amid fierce competition in China, its second-largest market.

On the exterior, the handles sit flush with the door and require users to press them to release the lever; inside, passengers must press a button to open the door.

Safety concerns have mounted in China over sleek, aerodynamic designs that reduce drag but may fail after crashes.

In one high-profile incident in October, rescuers were shown struggling to open the doors of a burning Xiaomi electric vehicle in Chengdu.

The driver, reportedly intoxicated, died in the crash, Agence France-Presse reported.

Although Tesla is the most well-known brand using the design, other Chinese EV makers — including Xiaomi and Aion — have adopted similar handles.

The new policy does not single out any company but requires all vehicles sold in China to have a mechanical release feature for both interior and exterior door handles.

In a recent statement, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology cited “the inconvenience with operating the exterior door handles and their inability to open after an accident,” outlining specific technical requirements for compliance.