In brief
A wave of safety recalls has been launched across China as hidden door handles on electric cars prove difficult to locate in emergencies. Tesla, the Chinese‑made variant of its Model 3, Y, S and X, is pulling back 2.98 million units, while XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely face similar moves. The recall stems from earlier fatal crashes involving Xiaomi EVs, and is underpinned by China’s new ban on hidden door handles effective 1 January 2027 that requires both interior and exterior door releases. Tesla plans warning labels and a windows‑lowering software update; it is unclear whether other firms will follow suit worldwide. The incident has sparked calls for fresh safety standards by the US NHTSA and heightened scrutiny of EV design choices worldwide.
Chinese authorities are launching the country’s largest electric‑car recall after safety concerns over hidden door handles on thousands of vehicles, with 2.98 million Chinese‑made Teslas among those affected.
The recall follows earlier fatal crashes in China where Xiaomi electric cars suffered door‑handle failures, leaving occupants trapped. Chinese regulators are also enforcing a new ban that takes effect 1 January 2027; vehicles must now offer a mechanical release on both the inside and outside of every door.
Tesla said that the retractable door handles, which integrate seamlessly into the door panels, are difficult to identify and operate because their colour matches the interior trim. The company will place warning labels on the recalled vehicles and issue a software update that automatically lowers the windows after a collision. It is unclear if the same recall will be extended to vehicles sold overseas.
The NHTSA in the United States has also investigated similar door‑handle issues, citing reports that they suddenly fail and leave children trapped in the cars, and last July the agency suggested a new safety standard for all vehicle makers.
Both Tesla and the other firms listed—XPeng, Xiaomi and Geely—have been approached for comment. The recall, which covers more than 4 million vehicles in total, underscores growing scrutiny over EV safety designs in China’s booming auto market.
