China has announced a ban on hidden or retractable door handles, a move tied to safety concerns after reports that some of these designs have failed during electric-vehicle fires. The issue centers on emergency access, when occupants or rescuers may need a door to open quickly and reliably.
Recessed and pop-out handles have become common on newer vehicles because they create a cleaner look and can support aerodynamic styling. But the sleek design has also drawn criticism, especially in situations where power loss, heat or mechanical failure could make the handles difficult to use.
The decision in China puts more attention on whether other markets should review the same feature. Australia is among the countries likely to be part of that discussion, particularly as EV adoption grows and regulators weigh the balance between design trends and practical safety requirements.
For automakers, the change highlights a broader challenge in vehicle design: features that look modern and efficient still need to work under worst-case conditions. China’s ban on recessed door handles is likely to add pressure for clearer safety standards around emergency door access in EVs and other modern cars.
