Tesla Model S with advanced technology made its debut in 2012 with sleek and mesmerizing door handles that appear every time the car is unlocked. More than a decade has passed, the self-presenting electronic door handles are now everywhere and have become a sort of business card for electric vehicles. Perhaps other manufacturers want to emulate Tesla’s success by replicating the coolest part of its product.
For car makers and technology-savvy customers, these door handles represent the peak of technology – a quick way for manufacturers to make ordinary cars feel futuristic, while reducing barriers and increasing efficiency. However, for some drivers, this can be quite inconvenient. Many have complained about the reliability and usefulness of the handles themselves. Recently, they have faced harsh criticism from several regulatory boards in various countries, as some question their necessity.
Now, China is considering banning the use of hidden electric door handles, according to Chinese media outlet Mingjing Pro, citing industry sources. Is this a good thing? This comes after news in May that the Chinese government had issued draft regulations stating that cars must have clearly marked mechanical releases on the inside, not just electronic buttons.
Currently, the ban is still just a rumor, but an unnamed automotive company employee told the outlet that Chinese regulators are preparing to ban fully hidden door handles, and automakers selling in China must comply as soon as possible. The reported solution would eliminate exterior fully hidden door handles, but semi-retractable handles and traditional handles are fine, as long as they have excess physical and mechanical releases.
There are many criticisms that can be made about hidden door handles, and they have recently been cast in a negative light in China. In April, in China, an Aito M7 crossover crashed into a large truck and caught fire, putting Huawei and Aito in the global spotlight. Some blamed the Level 2 autonomous driving assistance feature by Huawei for not saving the car from the collision, while others were concerned about how quickly the M7 caught fire in the accident. First responders reported that the M7 door handle failed to open, making it harder to rescue the passengers inside. Unfortunately, three people died in the accident.
Now, if true, this ban could substantially change the look of cars. Both Chinese and Western brands will need to work quickly to comply with the regulations. Cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with its exterior door release buttons, may need to have actual door handles for the exterior. The Lexus RZ350e has door handles shaped like a traditional handle, but it is actually an electronic release. This may also need to be modified to comply with these regulations. I am curious to see how this will affect the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6. Although these door handles (optional on Kia) use electronics to keep them flush with the body when the car is locked, they actually have mechanical releases similar to regular car doors.
It should be noted that usually, cars in the U.S. market that have electronic interior door releases also have mechanical backups. Should the U.S. be the next? Possibly; besides security issues, one of the most important things for electric cars is reliability. And it might not even be the motor or powertrain causing problems, but features like complex infotainment systems or electronic door handles. Also, criticism of hidden door handles with unclear interior releases is not new. In 2019, Dr. Omar Awan died when his Tesla Model S crashed and caught fire. The door handle was missing, and first responders reported that they couldn’t get Awan out before the car was engulfed in flames.
I support futuristic car designs, but I don’t think safety should be sacrificed. Perhaps removing hidden electronic door handles that can open on their own is the best option. Would you like to contact the writer? Kevin.Williams@insideevs.com.
