China Mandates Mechanical Door Handles on Cars, Phasing Out Hidden Designs

China’s upcoming mandatory national standard, "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles" (GB 48001–2026), explicitly requires all vehicle doors to be equipped with both interior and exterior handles that can be mechanically operated, along with sufficient space for operation. New vehicle models submitted for type approval must partially comply starting January 1, 2027, and achieve full compliance by 2028; existing models on sale must complete necessary modifications by 2029. The regulation aims to address safety risks associated with flush-mounted door handles, which can fail to open during power outages, collisions, or in low-temperature conditions. Recent accidents have highlighted rescue challenges posed by such designs, leading to a sharp rise in consumer complaints. Currently, around 60% of best-selling new energy vehicles feature this design, popularized initially by the Tesla Model S. The new standard does not ban innovation; it permits electronic functions as long as mechanical redundancy is retained, potentially making semi-flush designs a new trend. Automakers have already begun adjustments—Geely’s Galaxy M9 has reverted to conventional handles, while Aito’s M8 now incorporates multiple opening mechanisms. Industry estimates suggest modification costs could exceed RMB 100 million per model, prompting significant reshaping of the supply chain.