Overview
- The national standard takes effect on January 1, 2027, with already-approved models given until January 1, 2029 to comply.
- All passenger doors must have visible mechanical release mechanisms inside and outside, with exterior handles operable by hand from any angle and interior releases clearly visible, while tailgates are exempt.
- The rule applies to every automaker selling in China, affecting models such as Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, BMW’s iX3, and numerous Chinese-brand EVs.
- Officials frame the measure as safety-driven after electronic or hidden handles sometimes failed post-collision, complicating escape and rescue.
- Analysts warn of redesign costs and say China’s move could influence regulators in Europe and other markets after investigations including a Bloomberg tally of about 140 Tesla-related handle incidents and a U.S. NHTSA probe.