Chinese Car Design Will Drastically Change in 2027, Here's Why

KatadataOTO – The Chinese government has officially banned the use of door handles or retractable electric door handles, like those used on Tesla and various other modern cars.

The rule has the potential to change the design language of many modern cars from China that widely use flush-mounted door handles.

It should be noted that this proposal has been widely discussed since April 2025. At that time, an accident occurred involving a Xiaomi SU7 unit.

After some time, the decision to ban the use of flushed or hidden electric door handles was officially enacted, effective from 2027.

Photo: Carnewschina

The new rule stipulates that every new car must use mechanical or conventional door handles.

Conventional door handles are said to be easier to operate, especially in emergency situations like an accident. This is because they do not require electricity or vehicle power to be used.

“All vehicles must have mechanical door handles, both interior and exterior, that can be opened even if the car loses power or is in a damaged condition,” wrote a Carscoops report, quoted on Tuesday (30/12).

It was further explained that, as proposed in the draft regulation, all passenger vehicles weighing under 3.5 tons must retain mechanical door handles.