In China, the commonly used closed door handles on electric vehicles pose serious safety risks if the electrical system malfunctions after an accident. Tesla and 10 other car manufacturers have decided to recall approximately 4.3 million vehicles due to this risk.

This development has been recorded as the largest automotive recall operation in Chinese history. Tesla is the most affected manufacturer, with approximately 3 million Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles.

Recall and Safety Measures

Tesla announced that it will place warning labels identifying the door handles on the vehicles free of charge as part of the recall. Eight other manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are also aiming to inform users by following a similar practice.

Many manufacturers are releasing software updates that automatically lower the windows in the event of a collision. This aims to facilitate the exit of passengers from the vehicle and speed up the intervention of rescue teams.

The Chinese government is preparing to take more comprehensive steps against hidden door handles. The country plans to completely ban the use of this design by 2027.

New standards require mechanical opening systems on both the inside and outside of vehicle doors that can operate without needing electricity. This decision was made especially after accidents resulting in fatalities where the doors could not be opened when the electrical system failed.

Global Impacts and Future Designs

Concerns about hidden door handles are not limited to China. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into Tesla’s electronic door handles due to similar safety risks.

On the Tesla side, signals of design changes have begun to emerge. The company’s design director, Franz von Holzhausen, stated that they are working on a new approach that combines electronic and manual opening mechanisms into a single button.

Holzhausen said that this design is a logical solution and that the development process is ongoing. How do you evaluate the significant changes in safety standards in the automotive world?