China Considers Ban On Flush Door Handles In Cars: Here's Why

Chinese regulators are weighing a ban on flush door handles in cars, citing safety risks tied to power loss in emergencies, Bloomberg reported. Flush handles, common in Tesla vehicles and other EVs, retract into the door for a sleek look but have drawn scrutiny after incidents in which occupants were trapped. A 2023 crash in Virginia left a couple injured when a Tesla Model Y lost power, while a Texas man died in a Cybertruck fire after being unable to exit, sparking a lawsuit. Ford recalled over 197,000 Mustang Mach-Es over similar concerns. China’s proposed ban, reported by Mingjing Pro, could take effect in July 2027, forcing automakers including Tesla, GM, and Ford to redesign vehicles for the market. U.S. regulators currently have no plans to restrict the feature.