Flush Retractable Door Handles Could Soon Be Banned in China

Chinese regulators are reportedly considering a ban on retractable flush door handles, with draft regulations expected to be completed by the end of this month. 

Initially reported by Mingjing Pro, a blanket ban would be imposed on fully concealed door handles in July 2027. 

Semi-concealed designs as well as conventional door handles would be permitted under the new regulations, but mechanical redundancies would be mandatory. 

Retractable door handles as we know them today debuted on the Tesla Model S in 2012, and have since become widespread within the automotive industry, gaining favour due to their aerodynamic benefits and their aesthetic appeal. 

However, retractable flush door handles can be prone to failure, resulting in higher maintenance costs and potentially posing a safety risk in the event of an accident. 

In April last year, the ADAC automobile club in Germany released a media statement on the dangers of retractable door handles becoming inoperable due to a power supply failure or vehicle body deformation, causing issues for first responders in rescuing trapped vehicle occupants. 

Retractable flush door handles have found themselves at the centre of many high-profile accidents. 

For instance, a Tesla Model S driver lost his life in Florida in 2019 due to smoke inhalation when the vehicle caught fire after colliding with a tree. The driver was unable to be extracted from the vehicle because the Model S’ retractable door handles allegedly failed to deploy. 

A similar incident claiming the lives of three people occurred in April last year, when an Aito M7 SUV caught fire after colliding with a truck in Shanxi, China, with its retractable door handles also reportedly failing to extend. 

Chinese regulators have yet to confirm an official ban on retractable door handles.