Hidden electric door handles have caused the deaths of many people who could otherwise have been saved. In accidents involving electric vehicles, victims were unable to open the doors due to electrical failures, and bystanders could not intervene because there was no handle to pull the door open. This, combined with lithium-ion batteries that can ignite violently, has led to avoidable deaths.
China will require all new cars sold in the country, starting January 1, 2027, to be equipped with visible door handles with a mechanical release—meaning the door can be opened manually, without relying solely on the electrical system. “Hidden” or fully electric designs that depend only on electronic systems and do not provide a safe mechanical operation are now banned.
Models already type-approved in China and/or close to launch are granted a grace period until January 1, 2029 to adopt the new door-handle solutions and door-opening mechanisms for EVs.
China has also published a set of specifications that a door handle must meet to be considered safe in the event of an accident. These include dimensions, a mechanical linkage, and clear instructions for passengers so they can exit the vehicle quickly.
Another extremely dangerous technology the automotive industry is trying to adopt is drive-by-wire steering, with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. The driver is given a steering wheel similar to those used in video games, which can become a serious problem if the electrical system fails. Loss of power due to an unforeseen event (rodents, flooding, etc.) means loss of steering control. The driver becomes a spectator to a serious accident—and in extreme cases, to their own death.
Advice when buying a vehicle:
- Do not buy vehicles with hidden door handles that lack a mechanical operation.
- Do not buy vehicles with drive-by-wire steering.
- Do not buy vehicles with three-cylinder engines, as they are not durable and vibrate excessively.
- Do not buy engines with an oil-immersed timing belt.
Only your behavior as customers can educate cynical and greedy manufacturers and managers.
