Nearly 3 million Teslas recalled in China over hidden door handles
China has initiated a massive recall of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles and other brands due to safety concerns regarding retractable door handles. Regulators fear these designs could prevent occupants from escaping during emergencies, leading to new safety mandates effective in 2027.
Why it matters
This recall highlights the tension between minimalist automotive design trends and essential safety standards, impacting major global EV manufacturers.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, Minimalistic hidden door handles have been a common feature in new electric cars
Minimalist retractable door handles became a signature feature of electric vehicles (EVs), but the controversial designs are now at the centre of China's biggest car recall, affecting more than 4 million vehicles.
The recall, which includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas, follows safety concerns that the hidden door handles are difficult to locate and open in emergency situations.
Other brands affected by the recall include Chinese carmakers XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely.
Made popular by multi-billionaire Elon Musk's Tesla, hidden door handles are designed to tuck seamlessly within the car's door panel and only extend outwards approaches their vehicle.
The design came under scrutiny after two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, in which power failures were suspected to have prevented doors from being opened.
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