China is⁢ contemplating a ​ban on full-time,‌ flush door⁤ handles in vehicles, citing critically ⁢important safety risks and functional shortcomings. ‍This ‌potential regulation, reported by CarNewsChina,⁣ stems from a report ‌by ⁢the⁢ Chinese regulatory authority.

⁢ The proposed ban includes a one-year transition period, with ⁢full implementation expected by the summer of 2027. After this date,new vehicles sold in China would be limited to traditional or partially retractable door handles.
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Impact on vehicle ‍Design

⁣ This ‍decision would necessitate design changes, especially for New ⁣Energy Vehicles (NEVs) wich have ‌increasingly ⁣adopted flush door⁢ handles. The regulator emphasizes⁤ the‌ necessity of mechanical backups ‍for door operation, ⁤especially in emergency situations like‌ accidents.
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Furthermore, the ‌purported fuel efficiency ​gains from retractable handles are being questioned. The regulator notes that the mechanisms themselves (weighing 7-8 kg) can offset ‌any potential weight savings.

broader Trend Towards Physical Controls

This move aligns with a‍ growing trend towards⁢ prioritizing physical controls in vehicle design. Euro NCAP, the European‌ New Car Assessment Program, is reportedly developing new safety standards that will penalize vehicles lacking ‌physical buttons for essential functions, potentially taking⁣ effect in ⁢2026. Achieving the highest safety‍ ratings ‍will require manufacturers to ⁤retain these physical controls.