Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and challenges of hidden door handles in the automotive industry, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and the associated safety concerns that have led to regulatory scrutiny [3][4][5]. Group 1: Product Innovation and Market Trends - Hidden door handles were initially designed for aesthetics and aerodynamics, becoming more common in mainstream vehicles due to technological advancements and cost reductions [4][5]. - Tesla played a significant role in popularizing hidden door handles with the Model S, which integrated this design to enhance the vehicle's technological appeal and performance [5][6]. - The adoption of hidden door handles has increased, with approximately 60% of the top 100 new energy vehicles in China featuring this design [15]. Group 2: Safety and Regulatory Concerns - Recent issues with hidden door handles include problems such as hand pinching, freezing in winter, and sensor failures, prompting regulatory bodies to intervene [5][6]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China proposed new safety standards for automotive door handles, addressing concerns about strength, control logic risks, and emergency escape scenarios [6][15]. - The complexity of hidden door handles increases the potential for failure, especially in emergency situations where traditional mechanical systems may be more reliable [13][15]. Group 3: Cost and Engineering Challenges - The implementation of hidden door handles significantly increases vehicle weight and costs, with estimates suggesting a 7-8 kg increase and BOM costs that can be 4-7 times higher than traditional systems [14][15]. - Some manufacturers are adopting hybrid designs, such as semi-hidden handles, to balance aesthetics and functionality while mitigating risks associated with fully electronic systems [14][15]. - The lack of unified industry standards for hidden door handles raises concerns about safety and reliability, as different manufacturers may have varying levels of quality and emergency features [16][17]. Group 4: Future Developments and Innovations - Suppliers are developing safer hidden door handle solutions, including mechanical systems that do not rely on electrical power, ensuring functionality in emergencies [20][21]. - The automotive industry is urged to prioritize safety and quality over cost-cutting measures, as the current trend of focusing on price may lead to increased risks in product reliability [27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and challenges of hidden door handles in the automotive industry, highlighting their aesthetic appeal versus practical safety concerns and regulatory scrutiny [2][3][11]. Summary by Sections Evolution of Hidden Door Handles - Initially designed for aesthetics and aerodynamics, hidden door handles became more common in mainstream vehicles due to technological advancements and cost reductions [2]. - Tesla's Model S was the first electric vehicle to feature hidden door handles, which contributed to its success and established a design trend in the EV market [2]. Technical Challenges and Regulatory Response - Hidden door handles have faced issues such as hand pinching, freezing in winter, and sensor failures, leading to safety concerns [3]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China proposed new safety standards for automotive door handles, addressing risks related to strength, control logic, and emergency escape [3][11]. Performance vs. Complexity - The aerodynamic benefits of hidden door handles are minimal, with improvements in drag coefficient only between 0.001 to 0.002 Cd, translating to a mere 1 to 3 kilometers of range increase [4]. - The complexity and cost of hidden door handles are significantly higher than traditional designs, raising questions about their overall value [4][12]. Design Variants and Safety Considerations - Hidden door handles can be categorized into fully hidden and semi-hidden types, with varying mechanisms for operation [5][7]. - The reliance on electronic systems increases potential failure points, especially in emergency situations where mechanical backup is crucial [7][11]. Market Adoption and Consumer Perception - Approximately 60% of the top 100 electric vehicle models in China feature hidden door handles, indicating a growing trend despite safety concerns [11]. - Some manufacturers adopt a hybrid approach, combining hidden designs with traditional mechanical features to balance aesthetics and safety [10][12]. Future Developments and Innovations - Suppliers are exploring safer hidden door handle solutions, such as mechanical self-triggering mechanisms that do not rely on electrical power [17][18]. - The automotive industry is urged to prioritize safety and functionality over cost-cutting measures, reflecting a need for a shift in design philosophy [24].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is initiating a revision of the national standard for automotive door handles due to safety concerns associated with hidden door handles widely used in electric vehicles. The proposed standards aim to enhance safety features, ensuring that door systems can be opened in emergencies such as power failure or collisions [1][4][17]. Group 1: Safety Concerns - Hidden door handles have been linked to various safety issues, including insufficient strength, potential control logic risks, and difficulties in operation due to lack of visible markings, which can hinder escape during emergencies [4][9][16]. - Incidents have occurred where hidden door handles contributed to rescue difficulties, such as a serious accident involving a Wanjie M7 Plus, where the door handle failed to operate after a high-speed collision, complicating rescue efforts [4][5][6]. - The MIIT's proposed standards will include requirements for mechanical or power failure protection to ensure door systems remain operable during accidents, thereby facilitating rescue and escape [8][9][17]. Group 2: Industry Response - The automotive industry is recognizing the need to shift from a focus on aesthetic and technological appeal of hidden door handles to prioritizing safety. Companies like BYD and Great Wall Motors are actively participating in the development of safety standards [16][17]. - There have been calls from industry leaders to improve the design of hidden door handles to enhance usability in various conditions, including extreme weather [16][17]. - The trend towards hidden door handles has been driven by their sleek design and perceived technological advantages, but the recent focus on safety may lead to a reevaluation of their design priorities [10][11][14].