China is preparing to introduce a strict ban on fully retractable door handles in vehicles — a move that could mark a turning point for the entire auto industry.
Chinese regulators are set to outlaw flush, fully retractable door handles, citing growing concerns over their safety and reliability. The decision could have major implications for automakers, particularly EV brands, where such handles have become a hallmark of modern design.
According to insider reports, draft regulations would ban fully retractable handles altogether, allowing only traditional or partially extending designs. Crucially, all door mechanisms will be required to have a mechanical backup to ensure that doors can always be opened manually. The new standards are expected to take effect in July 2027, with manufacturers given a one-year transition period.
The reasoning is clear: while sleek, flush handles may look futuristic and promise aerodynamic gains, they are expensive, prone to failure, and potentially dangerous in emergencies. In China, there have already been cases where frozen or jammed handles prevented people from escaping their vehicles. Crash-test data also shows that, in side impacts, doors with electronic handles are far less likely to open than those with mechanical ones.
Automakers are already exploring alternatives. Volkswagen, for example, is moving toward partially extending handles, while some Chinese brands are adopting mechanical emergency release cables. The broader trend suggests a shift back toward simplicity and safety, leaving controversial design features behind.
Interestingly, Europe is moving in a similar direction: starting in 2026, cars that rely exclusively on touchscreens for essential functions will no longer be eligible for top safety ratings.