Retractable Door Handles to Be Mandated with Safety Standards

[New Policy Regulation] A national mandatory standard now requires all vehicle door handles to retain a mechanical opening function.

Key Development: Starting in 2027, Retractable Handles Must Include Independent Mechanical Mechanisms

Effective January 1, 2027, the "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles" (GB 48001–2026) mandates that all doors (excluding tailgates) must be equipped with mechanically operable interior and exterior handles. These handles must allow for single or repeated operation even under conditions such as power failure or post-collision, ensuring passengers can quickly evacuate in emergencies.

Key Statistics: 60% of Top-Selling New Energy Vehicles Currently Use Retractable Handles

Among China’s top 100 best-selling new energy vehicle models in April 2025, approximately 60% feature retractable door handles. The new standard also stipulates that exterior handles must withstand an external force of at least 500N without failure. Interior handles must be installed within a vertical range of 0–680mm from the seat R-point centerline and no more than 300mm from the edge, ensuring they are clearly visible and unobstructed.

Safety Foundation: Addressing Critical Pain Points Like "Frozen Handles" and "Inoperable Doors During Power Loss"

Accidents and extreme weather have exposed serious risks: frozen handles preventing unlocking and doors becoming locked during power outages. The new regulation mandates reserved hand-accessible space for manual operation. Full compliance will be required by 2028, enabling rescuers to open non-impact-side doors without tools, significantly improving survival rates in high-risk scenarios.