Electrically retractable door handles are becoming a regulatory issue in China, as the country plans to mandate mechanical emergency release mechanisms. Electric car manufacturers will therefore have to redesign their systems, since safety will take precedence. China has set a deadline for this regulation, which will hit Tesla hard, as all Tesla models are affected. (golem: 03.01.26)
Electrically retractable door handles – why China is bringing back mechanical ones
The Ministry of Industry’s draft legislation focuses on electronic systems, while also allowing doors to open from both inside and outside without electricity. The plan will apply to new models under 3.5 tons starting January 1, 2027, provided the draft is enacted. This places a strict requirement on manufacturers, directly impacting platforms and components.
Accidents reveal the weakness, and retractable solutions sometimes jam even in cold weather or after a collision. Those affected report situations where the only way to exit was by smashing a window. In such moments, safety is paramount, because panic prolongs any search for hidden levers.
Tesla and other manufacturers must redesign door systems.
China is the largest sales market, which is why the regulation forces development teams to make quick decisions. Tesla relies on flush designs in several model series, and it is precisely there that the integration of a clear emergency release mechanism becomes complex. The electric vehicle pioneer also needs to standardize the operating logic because auxiliary levers and covers are often overlooked under stress.
Several manufacturers rely on concealed emergency release mechanisms, but this approach often fails in practice because drivers cannot find the solution under stress or operate it incorrectly. An electric car then needs not only an additional lever but also new tests for crash procedures and interior trim. Many companies are already examining whether they can make door handles more visible to reduce user error.
The safety debate impacts design and range logic
While some in the industry argue from aerodynamic perspectives, safety logic now dominates in China. Door handles may appear to disappear into the bodywork, but in an emergency, immediately understandable mechanics are crucial. Safety thus becomes a product requirement, reflected in standards, testing plans, and operating concepts.
For Tesla, this also raises the issue of communication, ensuring buyers immediately recognize the emergency release mechanism. China is committed to clear standards, and Beijing is sending a signal to all manufacturers. Those who want to remain competitive must develop the emergency release as a core function in their next electric vehicle, not as a hidden detail.