Automundo China

China is banning hidden door handles on all cars sold in the country, becoming the first country in the world to target the feature – which was popularized by Tesla but has for years drawn concern over safety risks.

China has stepped up electric vehicle safety regulation, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approving a new mandatory national standard, (GB 48001-2026). The rules require all EVs sold in China to feature independently operable mechanical door-opening mechanisms on both the inside and outside, banning designs that rely entirely on electronic systems or concealed handles.

China is banning hidden door handles on all cars sold in the country, becoming the first country in the world to target the feature – which was popularized by Tesla but has for years drawn concern over safety risks.

Sleek car doors reduce vehicle drag but are prone to losing operability in the event of a crash, officials say

Beijing targets a Tesla-popular design after high-profile rescue failures, mandating mechanical handles on new vehicles.

China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country from next year, phasing out the minimalist design popularised by Tesla over safety concerns.

Following a spate of criticism and reported fatalities, China has become the first nation to ban electric vehicles with concealed