Flush car door handles: China's ban, and the safety concerns, Pg15

Key Highlights:

• China will ban "hidden" or retractable car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns.
• The ban mandates standard mechanical releases on both the inside and outside of all car doors.
• Tesla popularized hidden door handles, which enhance aerodynamics but pose safety risks.
• Reports indicate passengers trapped in vehicles after crashes or power failures due to handle malfunctions.
• In April 2025, approximately 60% of the top 100 selling New Energy Vehicles in China had hidden door handles.

Detailed Insights:

• Hidden door handles enhance a car's aesthetics and aerodynamics, potentially increasing range by 5-10 km by reducing drag.
• These handles can be automatic (powered by the car battery) or manual (requiring the user to press and pull).
• Accidents, fires, or submersion can damage the battery and sensors, preventing the handles from functioning correctly.
• US authorities have investigated electronic door handles becoming inoperative, leading to emergency situations.
• Car mechanics are increasingly transitioning towards electronic systems, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
• BYD, a Chinese carmaker, introduced affordable models with free ‘smart driving’ features in April 2025.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aerodynamic Drag: The force that opposes the motion of an object through the air.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Electronic technologies that assist drivers in driving and parking functions.
• New Energy Vehicles (NEV): Vehicles that use new energy sources, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.