By Yoko Kubota

BEIJING -- China is banning retractable door handles on cars, used by Tesla and many Chinese electric-vehicle makers, after safety concerns grew over doors that couldn't be opened in accidents.

Under rules set to take effect next year, cars must have both internal and external door handles that can be mechanically opened, including in the case of an accident or power failure. The rules also specify where the handles must be located, both inside and outside the car, and require that an instruction sign be installed near the internal handle.

The new rules are intended to "improve the level of automotive safety design," China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said.

Retracted door handles have been on the rise in recent years, especially in electric vehicles that come with various electrified features. In the U.S., Tesla vehicles and Hyundai's Ioniq are among the models with retractable handles. In China, the feature is especially widespread given that around half of the new cars sold are electric or plug-in hybrids.

Unlike traditional handles that stick out on the door surface and can always be grasped by hand, the retractable handle sinks into the door and isn't graspable in its default position. It pops out when it needs to be used, either automatically through the user's key fob or phone, or manually by pressing the handle. Carmakers say the retractable handle increases aerodynamic efficiency.

Some consumers have found the feature inconvenient or dangerous. In 2024, owners of battery-electric vehicles reported their door handles being difficult to use at a rate of 3.1 problems per 100 vehicles, up from 0.2 in 2020, according to J.D. Power.

Inside, some cars have electrically powered doors that are opened by pressing a button. Many of these cars also have a mechanical door release, but they are often not so obvious to users.

Last year, a U.S. automobile safety regulator opened an investigation into Tesla, saying the mechanical door release on the company's 2022 Tesla Model 3 isn't easily accessible.

China's decision followed deadly accidents. In October, an accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra left at least one passenger stuck in the car because the door couldn't be opened, state media reported. The SU7 Ultra has retractable door handles. Xiaomi didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

For vehicle models already approved and nearing launch, carmakers must change the door handle design by January 2029, the Chinese regulators said.

Write to Yoko Kubota at yoko.kubota@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 03, 2026 01:39 ET (06:39 GMT)

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