China mandates door release labels for millions of EVs

The regulatory push highlights the growing friction between sleek design trends and passenger safety. While electronic latches enable features like smartphone entry and flush door handles, their reliance on power systems has proven problematic during collisions. Manual backups often remain tucked behind panels or hidden in non-intuitive locations, rendering them useless in high-stress situations. Beyond Tesla, companies including Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely’s Zeekr and Lynk & Co. brands are participating in the recall.

Chinese authorities plan to ban hidden, electronically-actuated exterior door handles entirely by 2027. This shift mirrors rising scrutiny in the United States, where federal regulators launched an investigation into Tesla’s latching systems last year. Manufacturers are beginning to adjust their engineering; Rivian, for instance, redesigned the manual release for its newer R2 model after facing criticism over the complex cord-and-panel system used in its R1 vehicles. Tesla has confirmed it is currently redesigning its door handle architecture for future production.