China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs), making it the first country to prohibit the designs popularized by Tesla. The ban followed safety concerns that arose from several fatal incidents involving EVs. The move follows deadly crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs, where power failures were suspected to have prevented doors from being opened. Global safety regulators have also taken note: in November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a probe into Tesla’s electric-powered door handles after reports they suddenly stopped working, leaving children trapped. Although the measures apply only to vehicles sold in China, the country’s role in the global car industry means the ban is expected to influence EV designs worldwide.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 03, 2026 13:57 UTC