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 Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is seeking public opinions on the mandatory national standard for "Automotive Door Handle Safety Technical Requirements," following recent regulations on advanced driver assistance systems, indicating a significant move towards enhancing automotive safety standards in China [1][11]. Group 1: Design and Functionality - Hidden door handles, while criticized for being counterintuitive, have become a mainstream feature in electric vehicles (EVs) over recent years, despite their historical use dating back to luxury models like the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL [1][2]. - Tesla has consistently used hidden door handles since the launch of its first car, the Roadster, initially to emphasize futuristic design and luxury positioning, but this design has been adopted by other EV manufacturers as well [2][3]. Group 2: Economic and Performance Benefits - The adoption of hidden door handles can reduce the drag coefficient by up to 12%, which is economically beneficial in the context of rising battery costs, as it can enhance vehicle range without the need for additional battery capacity [2][3]. - The cost of a hidden door handle is approximately 100 yuan when purchased in bulk, significantly lower than the cost of increasing battery capacity, which could add hundreds to thousands of yuan to the vehicle's price [3][6]. Group 3: Safety and Regulatory Concerns - The complexity of hidden door handles, which require multiple steps for operation, raises concerns about durability and safety, especially in the event of component failure [4][6]. - The MIIT's proposed new standards aim to address safety redundancies and structural integrity, which have been lacking in previous regulations, particularly regarding the performance of hidden door handles in emergency situations [7][11]. Group 4: Market Trends and Consumer Preferences - Not all EV manufacturers are adopting hidden door handles; for instance, BYD uses them in higher-end models but retains traditional handles in more affordable options, reflecting a strategic choice based on market positioning and consumer demand [3][6]. - 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 consider consumer preferences more closely [11].