Safety concerns cited for the mooted ban of retractable door handles in China, which would affect vehicles around the world.
Power-operated retractable car door handles could be a passing fad if China – the world’s largest car market – prohibits their use due to safety concerns.
CarNewsChina, citing Mingjing Pro as a source, reports discussions are underway to ban flush-fitting retractable door handles as early as mid-2027 in China, as more reports on reliability and suitability of the technology surface.
While Chinese car manufacturers such as Leapmotor, Deepal, Zeekr, and XPeng have all adopted the electronically operated flush-fitting door handles in their models, global manufacturers such as Land Rover and Tesla have also taken to the new technology.
However, concerns have arisen due to operational suitable in extreme conditions, with reports that mechanisms can freeze in cold weather, malfunction with water ingress, or fail outright leaving occupants trapped in vehicles.
Some models, like Tesla, have a physical release but they can be buried under interior trim pieces and hard to access in an emergency situation.
Car brands have cited improved aerodynamics for flush-fitting door handles, which could extend the range of electric cars marginally, but research suggests this is often offset by electric motors that weigh more than traditional door actuators.
It is reported that China is looking to ban fully retractable handles, but semi-retractable or power-operated versions – such as those featured on the new Lexus NX and Volkswagen’s electric vehicles, and have mechanical redundancies built in – would still be permitted.
In Australia, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) will take into consideration the operation of flush-fitting door handles in safety examination.
According to ANCAP documentation, passengers should still be able to exit the vehicle, even if the 12-volt system powering electronically controlled door handles fail, within two minutes with an easily accessible secondary system.
However, China’s move to ban the technology – if it comes to fruition – will likely be the death knell for retractable door handles as car makers will simply design controls suitable for all markets.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
