Why nearly 3 million Teslas are being recalled in China
Nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles are being recalled in China because hidden door handles may be difficult to operate during emergency situations. The recall also impacts other manufacturers like Xiaomi and XPeng, requiring software updates and warning labels.
Why it matters
The recall highlights potential design flaws in modern electric vehicles that prioritize aesthetics over emergency egress functionality.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Osmond Chia Business reporter AFP via Getty Images Minimalistic 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.
The recalled vehicles will have a warning label stuck on the interior door and receive a software update to automatically lower the windows in a crash.
The designs have come 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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