tech
Why Tesla has been caught up in a massive car recall in China
Hidden car door handles - the sleek designs often found on electric vehicles (EVs) - have come under the spotlight over the past week.
TL;DR
- China is recalling over 4 million vehicles, mostly Teslas, due to concerns that hidden door handles can hinder emergency access.
- New regulations starting January 1, 2027, will ban the sale of new cars without mechanical door release mechanisms.
- Incidents involving trapped occupants in vehicles with hidden door handles, including Teslas and Xiaomi's SU7, have raised safety alarms.
- While China is implementing a ban, it's unclear if similar recalls will occur in the US or EU, though regulators are reviewing the issue.
- Some engineers argue that the new measures may not be sufficient, as they do not mandate mechanical releases, which are considered more reliable in emergencies.
- Hidden door handles, popular for their sleek design and reduced wind drag, are present on approximately 60% of China's top 100 best-selling new energy vehicles.