Core Viewpoint - The tragic incident involving a Xiaomi car has reignited the safety debate surrounding hidden door handles in electric vehicles, highlighting the critical need for safety redundancy in automotive design [1][2][3]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A Xiaomi vehicle lost control and caught fire due to the owner's drunk driving, leading to fatalities as rescuers struggled to open the doors, which were rendered inoperable due to the hidden electric door handles failing after power loss [1][2]. - Previous incidents in 2024 and 2025 involving other electric vehicles with similar hidden door handle designs have raised public awareness about the safety risks associated with these features [2][3]. Group 2: Regulatory Response - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) initiated a safety technology research project in July 2024, focusing on the risks associated with hidden door handles [2][28]. - A draft of mandatory national standards for automotive door handles was released on September 24, 2025, proposing significant restrictions on hidden door handles and suggesting a transition period until January 1, 2027 [2][27]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The ongoing accidents and the impending regulations indicate a shift in the automotive industry towards prioritizing safety over aesthetic and aerodynamic considerations [3][21]. - The new regulations require all vehicle doors to have mechanical release functions, which fundamentally challenges the current trend of fully hidden door handles [27][29]. Group 4: Design and Safety Redundancy - The design of hidden door handles has been criticized for relying heavily on electronic signals, which can fail in emergencies, leading to difficulties in opening doors during critical situations [7][8]. - Some manufacturers, like Tesla, have implemented designs that combine electronic and mechanical systems to enhance safety redundancy, while others still rely on less reliable designs [12][16]. Group 5: Future Directions - The automotive industry is beginning to reassess its design philosophies, moving away from a sole focus on technological aesthetics towards incorporating safety as a fundamental design principle [31][34]. - Companies are actively preparing to comply with the new regulations, with some already adapting their designs to meet the upcoming safety standards [30][32].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising costs associated with the repair of hidden door handles in electric vehicles compared to traditional mechanical handles, highlighting the complexity and electronic components involved in the former [4][11][22]. Group 1: Repair Costs Comparison - Repair costs for hidden door handles are significantly higher than for mechanical handles, with examples showing costs of 1087.5 yuan for a hidden handle versus 120 yuan for a mechanical one [5][9]. - The average repair costs for hidden handles range from 400 to 1000 yuan for materials, with additional labor costs, while mechanical handles typically cost under 300 yuan for replacement [8][9]. Group 2: Reasons for High Repair Costs - Hidden door handles incorporate multiple electronic components such as motors and sensors, leading to higher replacement costs compared to traditional handles [11][14]. - The common practice in repairs is to replace the entire handle assembly rather than individual components, further driving up costs [12][16]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - There is a significant shortage of skilled technicians capable of repairing electronic components, which forces many repair shops to adopt a replacement-only approach, increasing costs for consumers [18][21]. - The automotive repair industry faces a talent gap, particularly in the field of electric vehicle maintenance, with estimates indicating that 80% of the talent shortage is in this area [21][23]. Group 4: Potential Solutions - Suggestions to address high repair costs include improving vocational training for technicians, establishing a certification system for repair professionals, and encouraging competition among parts suppliers to lower costs [20][23]. - The article emphasizes the need for policy support and industry self-regulation to enhance the repair ecosystem for electric vehicles [20][23].