China to Prohibit Electronic Door Handles on Cars from 2027 for Enhanced Safety

China has taken a significant step by banning one of the most recognizable Tesla vehicle features in an effort to enhance vehicle safety.

According to new safety regulations published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all cars sold in the country will be required to have mechanical releases on their door handles. These regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, will prohibit hidden, electronically activated door handles, as reported by TechCrunch.

Under the new guidelines, each vehicle door, excluding the tailgate, must be equipped with a manually-released external door handle. Additionally, vehicles will need to feature a mechanical release on the interior, as noted by TechCrunch.

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A Tesla Model Y is shown charging at a Tesla dealership in Buena Park, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026. (Mike Blake/File Photo/Reuters / Reuters)

China is the first nation to implement such a ban. While this feature gained popularity with Tesla, it has also been adopted by Chinese competitors, including Xiaomi, as reported by Reuters.

This ruling comes in response to several high-profile incidents where power failures were suspected of preventing doors from opening, leaving occupants trapped and unable to escape or be rescued. Notably, two of these incidents involved fiery crashes with Xiaomi Corp. electric vehicles, according to Bloomberg.

Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility, stated, “China is shifting from being just the largest EV market to being a rule-setter for how new vehicle technologies are regulated. By moving first, Beijing can use its huge domestic market to lock in safety standards that both Chinese and foreign automakers must follow at home — and that may ultimately travel with Chinese EV exports and influence global norms.”

A woman opens the door for a Tesla Model YL electric vehicle at a showroom in Beijing on Feb. 3, 2026. China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country from next year, phasing out the minimalist design popularized by Tesla over safety concerns. (Pedro Pardo / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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In December, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated a defect probe into the Tesla Model 3 sedan’s emergency door release controls. This investigation reportedly encompasses approximately 179,071 model year 2022 vehicles, as stated by Reuters.

Visitors look at a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle displayed at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2024, in Beijing, China, April 25, 2024. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

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Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 206 lays out requirements for vehicle door locks and door retention components to help prevent occupants from being ejected during a crash.

A representative for NHTSA pointed out to FOX Business that while FMVSS No. 206 does not have specific requirements mandating a manual door release if power is lost, failing to provide a reasonable way for occupants to enter or exit a vehicle could be considered a safety defect and lead to a recall. However, the opening of a defect petition does not automatically mean that a recall will be issued.

FOX Business reached out to Tesla and Xiaomi for comment.

China has taken a significant step by banning one of the most recognizable Tesla vehicle features in an effort to enhance vehicle safety.

According to new safety regulations published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all cars sold in the country will be required to have mechanical releases on their door handles. These regulations, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, will prohibit hidden, electronically activated door handles, as reported by TechCrunch.

Under the new guidelines, each vehicle door, excluding the tailgate, must be equipped with a manually-released external door handle. Additionally, vehicles will need to feature a mechanical release on the interior, as noted by TechCrunch.

TESLA ENDS PRODUCTION OF MODEL S AND MODEL X VEHICLES, WILL FOCUS ON ROBOTS IN 2026

A Tesla Model Y is shown charging at a Tesla dealership in Buena Park, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026. (Mike Blake/File Photo/Reuters / Reuters)

China is the first nation to implement such a ban. While this feature gained popularity with Tesla, it has also been adopted by Chinese competitors, including Xiaomi, as reported by Reuters.

This ruling comes in response to several high-profile incidents where power failures were suspected of preventing doors from opening, leaving occupants trapped and unable to escape or be rescued. Notably, two of these incidents involved fiery crashes with Xiaomi Corp. electric vehicles, according to Bloomberg.

Bill Russo, founder of Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility, stated, “China is shifting from being just the largest EV market to being a rule-setter for how new vehicle technologies are regulated. By moving first, Beijing can use its huge domestic market to lock in safety standards that both Chinese and foreign automakers must follow at home — and that may ultimately travel with Chinese EV exports and influence global norms.”

A woman opens the door for a Tesla Model YL electric vehicle at a showroom in Beijing on Feb. 3, 2026. China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country from next year, phasing out the minimalist design popularized by Tesla over safety concerns. (Pedro Pardo / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

ELON MUSK TAKES DIG AT WAYMO AFTER SAN FRANCISCO BLACKOUT

In December, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated a defect probe into the Tesla Model 3 sedan’s emergency door release controls. This investigation reportedly encompasses approximately 179,071 model year 2022 vehicles, as stated by Reuters.

Visitors look at a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle displayed at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2024, in Beijing, China, April 25, 2024. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 206 lays out requirements for vehicle door locks and door retention components to help prevent occupants from being ejected during a crash.

A representative for NHTSA pointed out to FOX Business that while FMVSS No. 206 does not have specific requirements mandating a manual door release if power is lost, failing to provide a reasonable way for occupants to enter or exit a vehicle could be considered a safety defect and lead to a recall. However, the opening of a defect petition does not automatically mean that a recall will be issued.

FOX Business reached out to Tesla and Xiaomi for comment.