China Bans Hidden Door Handles

https://insideevs.com/news/786170/china-ev-door-handles-banned/
Following a growing spate of global safety concerns, China has formally banned the kinds of flush, hidden door handles popularized by Tesla and other EVs.

While the Chinese government spent much of last year investigating safety concerns related to the door handles, the move by the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology formally puts an end date on the controversial design feature. And although the move only impacts China’s car market, its sheer size and importance to the global auto industry—and safety issues elsewhere in the world—could mean a shift away from the door design.

Over the past few years, Tesla and other automakers that use them have come under fire when passengers have struggled to get into their cars or escape from them in the event of a crash.

It’s not just that they’re “hidden”, it’s that they operate only when powered. During a crash the electrical system, not to mention the CPU may not work, making it impossible to open the door(s).

The Chinese regulation requires a mechanical (usually cable) release mechanism, starting with the 2027 year. Products which have already been approved and are beginning production have been given an additional year to comply.

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