Dislike Retractable Door Handles? China Could Finally Eliminate Them | Carscoops

      Reports indicate that regulators are set to prohibit hidden door handles, prompting automakers to reconsider EV design.

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       by Stephen Rivers

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      China is allegedly planning to implement a ban on fully retractable car door handles starting in July 2027.

      Regulatory authorities point to limited aerodynamic benefits, high failure rates, and safety risks during crashes as reasons for this decision.

      Manufacturers like VW and Audi are already transitioning toward safer semi-retractable options.

      The rapid advancement of technology sometimes leads to more issues than solutions. China's regulatory bodies are preparing to address what they view as a prime example of this: fully retractable door handles. A new set of regulations could explicitly forbid hidden handles on newly manufactured vehicles. If enacted, this could have global repercussions.

      The suggested regulation, as reported by Mingjing Pro, originates from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It intends to prohibit fully retractable handles while still permitting semi-retractable alternatives. A significant requirement is that all vehicles must have a mechanical backup system to ensure doors can be opened in emergencies.

      More: New Lawsuit Might Force Ford To Change Mustang Mach-E Door Handles

      According to Car News China, the definitive regulations could be released by the end of September. Enforcement is set to begin in 2027, allowing manufacturers additional time to adjust their production processes. It seems that many automakers are already aware of this potential change and may be developing solutions.

      

      

      The Issues With Flush Handles

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Flush door handles have become a defining feature of modern EVs, praised not only for their sleek design but also for supposed aerodynamic advantages. However, real-world data challenges this latter assertion.

      Engineers report that the drag reduction from flush handles is minimal, accounting for only 0.005-0.01 Cd, resulting in a mere 0.6 kWh savings per 100 km. This is a trivial amount, particularly for those who charge at home. Additionally, the motors and mechanisms required for retractable door operation can add 7-8 kg of extra weight.

      Moreover, there have been numerous instances of these door handles malfunctioning. Frozen motors can leave drivers stranded without a quick means of accessing their vehicles. Crash statistics show that handles can fail over 30 percent of the time after side collisions, and when it comes time for replacement, they are significantly costlier.

      What Would Happen If China Enforces This Ban?

      

      

      Should China proceed with this ban, it could have a widespread impact on door handles globally. Many manufacturers consider the world's largest car market an integral part of their business strategies. Altering their designs to comply with such regulations would likely entail maintaining the same non-flush design in other areas as well.

      While this would not prevent manufacturers from using semi-flush handles, it could hinder fully flush designs from being introduced in the future.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Credit: Magna International / GAC / Infiniti