Retractable door handles that, when closed, sit flush with the body and are powered by an electric drive have long become a fashionable attribute of new-generation cars. Tesla actively promoted them, and then other manufacturers picked up the idea—especially Chinese brands amid the rapid growth of the EV market. But the more widespread this feature became, the louder the debate grew about its real-world safety.
Now the situation has reached the point of concrete decisions at the state level. China has announced that starting in 2027, electric retractable handles will be banned. Instead, the law will require mechanical alternatives that make it possible to open the door after an accident. The trigger was tragic cases in which, after a crash, the doors could not be unlocked either from inside or from outside, causing rescuers to lose precious minutes. Among the high-profile episodes mentioned are crashes in China involving the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, as well as discussions in other markets: in Europe after an accident in Germany involving a Tesla, and in North America, where complaints about similar solutions came from owners of Tesla and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Automakers explained the popularity of recessed handles by a desire to add “premium” appeal and slightly improve aerodynamics. However, the practical benefit is small: it is estimated that an EV saves about 0.6 kWh per 100 km. At the same time, the risks are more noticeable than they seem in presentations. The new Chinese requirements boil down to something simple: the car must have internal and external handles with mechanical unlocking—that is, a mandatory backup way to open the door even in the event of power loss or severe damage.
There is also a day-to-day side to the problem. In cold climates, such mechanisms can freeze, making the door difficult or impossible to open. Given that Chinese EVs are increasingly entering global markets, China’s decision will inevitably affect the design of cars that will be sold in Europe in the coming years. Moreover, the Old Continent is also discussing the possibility of a strict ban on such electric handles.
Bloomberg Originals journalists devoted special attention to the topic in a piece titled “A Dangerous Feature in Tesla Doors.” It explains how the system works: hidden handles and locks are tied to the electrical system and use a low-voltage 12-volt battery to release the latches. By the way, even during the development of the Tesla Model 3, engineers voiced concerns, but the choice was made in favor of visual impact and automation. As a result, even rescuers sometimes have to break windows because the emergency manual mechanism is hard to find or activate quickly. According to data cited in investigations, this involves at least 15 fatal cases in the United States where, after a crash, the doors did not open.
And the main question remains open: even if a mechanical “backup exit” is provided, do all passengers know about it, and will they be able to react quickly and correctly in a stressful situation (source: motor.es).
