Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has released a draft for mandatory national standards on automotive door handles, aiming to enhance safety and address new technological demands in electric vehicles [2][3]. Group 1: New Standards and Requirements - The draft requires that both internal and external door handles must have a mechanical release function, allowing doors to be opened in case of an accident while locked [2]. - External door handles must provide a hand operation space of at least 60mm x 20mm x 25mm, equating to a minimum of 30 cubic centimeters [2]. Group 2: Impact on Automotive Industry - The new standards may lead to a ban on fully concealed door handles commonly found in electric vehicles, potentially resulting in a return to traditional mechanical door handles [3]. - In April, approximately 60% of the top 100 selling electric vehicle models in China featured concealed door handles, which are perceived as aesthetically pleasing but have raised safety concerns among consumers [4][6]. Group 3: Industry Response - Multiple automotive companies, including Geely and Leap Motor, have expressed their commitment to comply with the new regulations and are adapting their designs accordingly [6][8]. - Geely has been involved in the research and formulation of these standards and has developed various technical solutions to meet the new requirements [6].

Core Points - Tesla is facing scrutiny due to issues with its electronic door handles, which have reportedly malfunctioned, leading to safety concerns for passengers, including children being trapped inside vehicles [1][5] - The U.S. authorities are investigating approximately 174,000 Tesla vehicles for potential risks associated with the electronic door handle failures, which could result in recalls if deemed unsafe [5] - The irony lies in Tesla's initial popularity for its hidden door handle design, which has now become a point of contention and potential regulatory change [5] Group 1: Design and Safety Concerns - The hidden door handle design, while aesthetically pleasing and aimed at reducing wind resistance, has raised significant safety concerns, particularly in cold weather where handles may freeze [6][12] - Reports indicate that incidents of accidents due to door handle failures have increased by 47% year-on-year, with hidden door handles accounting for 82% of these cases [13] - Testing shows that electronic door handles have a success rate of only 67% in side-impact collisions, compared to 98% for traditional mechanical handles, highlighting a significant safety gap [13][17] Group 2: Regulatory Changes and Market Trends - A draft national standard is expected to ban fully hidden door handles, allowing only semi-hidden and traditional designs, with a transition period until July 2027 [5][18] - The automotive industry may shift towards semi-hidden door handles as a compromise between aesthetics and safety, with several new models already adopting this design [20][23] - The market is likely to see a decline in fully hidden door handles, prompting manufacturers to reassess their design strategies to prioritize safety alongside modern aesthetics [20][26]