Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is seeking public opinion on a mandatory national standard for automotive door handle safety, aiming to enhance product performance and safety levels in response to the growing use of hidden door handles in electric and smart vehicles [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The rapid development of electric and smart vehicles has led to a diverse range of door handle designs, including semi-hidden, fully hidden, and manual press types, with each vehicle potentially featuring a unique opening mechanism [1]. - Hidden door handles, originally designed for racing to reduce drag, have gained popularity in the automotive industry for their aesthetic appeal and efficiency, as exemplified by the Tesla Model S [1]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Hidden door handles have introduced various operational challenges for passengers, including difficulty in recognition, operational inconvenience, and potential safety risks during emergencies, as highlighted by incidents where passengers were unable to exit vehicles after accidents [2]. - The proposed standard includes technical requirements for door handle structure, operation space, and redundancy design to ensure that door handles can be operated mechanically in the event of power failure, thereby facilitating passenger escape and rescue [2][3]. Group 3: Regulatory Implications - The standard aims to address consumer feedback regarding the visibility and accessibility of door handles, mandating clear placement and safety indicators to reduce misoperation and enhance user experience [3]. - The establishment of this standard reflects a balance between technological innovation and safety, ensuring that door handle designs are not only unique but also functional and user-friendly, thereby promoting consumer safety and improving overall traffic safety [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent move by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China to solicit opinions on the mandatory national standards for automotive door handle safety, highlighting the growing importance of safety regulations in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) market [3][10]. Group 1: Historical Context and Design Evolution - The hidden door handle design is not exclusive to EVs, with its origins tracing back to the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which featured a unique gullwing door design [4]. - Tesla adopted hidden door handles starting with its first car, the Roadster, in 2008, initially to emphasize a futuristic design and luxury positioning, but later continued this design for brand recognition in mass-market models like Model 3 and Model Y [4][5]. Group 2: Economic and Performance Benefits - Hidden door handles can reduce the drag coefficient by up to 12%, which is significant for improving energy efficiency and extending the driving range of EVs, especially as battery costs account for nearly 40% of total vehicle costs [5]. - The cost of a hidden door handle is approximately 100 yuan, while the equivalent increase in battery costs to achieve the same range improvement could be several hundred to over a thousand yuan, making hidden handles a more economical choice [5][6]. Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Preferences - Not all EVs utilize hidden door handles; for example, BYD's lower-priced models still use traditional mechanical handles, indicating a strategic choice based on market segment and cost considerations [6][8]. - As battery technology improves, the need for minor range increases (5-10 km) becomes less critical, revealing the drawbacks of hidden handles, such as their complexity and potential durability issues [6][8]. Group 4: Safety and Regulatory Implications - The MIIT's proposed regulations aim to address safety concerns related to hidden door handles, which have been criticized for their lack of redundancy in safety features, particularly in scenarios where power is lost [9][10]. - The previous standards established in 2014 did not adequately cover the unique challenges posed by hidden door handles, necessitating updated regulations to enhance safety and reliability [9][10]. Group 5: Future Considerations - As the market for EVs matures, the novelty of hidden door handles as a distinguishing feature may diminish, prompting manufacturers to reassess their value and practicality in consumer preferences [11]. - The evolving regulatory landscape may lead to increased costs for hidden door handles, compelling manufacturers to evaluate their design choices in light of safety, cost, and consumer demand [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent regulatory actions by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regarding the safety standards for hidden door handles in vehicles, highlighting the safety risks associated with their design and the need for stricter regulations in the automotive industry [1][38]. Summary by Sections 1. Regulatory Actions and Industry Response - On May 8, MIIT publicly solicited opinions on mandatory national standards for automotive door handles, indicating existing safety risks and the need for industry reform [1][38]. - The introduction of these standards aims to address the safety concerns surrounding hidden door handles, which have been linked to various incidents and accidents [38]. 2. Historical Context and Design Evolution - The hidden door handle design gained popularity in the 1950s with the Mercedes 300SL, which utilized it to reduce aerodynamic drag and enhance speed [5][12]. - The trend continued with the rise of electric vehicles, where companies like Tesla adopted hidden handles as a symbol of modern technology, despite the potential safety issues they pose [15][32]. 3. Safety Concerns and Technical Challenges - Hidden door handles are criticized for their reliance on electronic mechanisms, which can fail in emergencies, particularly during collisions or power failures [30][32]. - The article cites incidents where hidden handles hindered rescue efforts, emphasizing the need for mechanical redundancy in their design [25][30]. 4. Industry Adoption and Trade-offs - Despite the safety risks, many automakers continue to use hidden door handles to improve vehicle aerodynamics, which can enhance electric vehicle range by approximately 0.57% [32][34]. - The trade-off between safety and performance raises questions about the industry's priorities and the acceptance of potential risks for marginal gains in efficiency [32][34]. 5. Future Standards and Industry Direction - The MIIT's proposed standards aim to ensure that all new vehicles meet safety requirements, addressing issues such as strength, control logic, and emergency operation of door handles [38][39]. - The article stresses that safety must be the primary consideration in automotive design, especially as the industry moves towards greater electrification and automation [41][49].