alt.hn

2/3/2026 at 1:28:56 PM

China to ban hidden car door handles made popular by Tesla in world first

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/03/china/china-hidden-car-door-handles-tesla-intl-hnk

by randycupertino

2/3/2026 at 1:32:49 PM

A monument to Tesla's design and engineering prowess is a marketing gimmick that compromises user safety.

by jqpabc123

2/3/2026 at 1:45:29 PM

> A monument to Tesla's design and engineering prowess is a marketing gimmick that compromises user safety.

You do know that flush door handles are to found across the automobile industry, right?

Range Rover, Jaguar, Hyundai/Kia, Ford, Nissan, Honda. Chinese heavyweights Xiaomi and Aion do it too.

by andsoitis

2/3/2026 at 2:05:47 PM

You do know that not all flush door handles are a problem, right?

The problem is *electrically operated* door handles --- ones that will not function when power is absent --- for example, after an accident or being submerged in water.

Tesla "fixed" something that wasn't broken.

by jqpabc123

2/3/2026 at 2:31:58 PM

It isn't just a Tesla thing, no matter how much you want to believe it.

According to reports, the following cars will be affected by the new regulation:

- Xiaomi SU7, various models from BYD, Geely, and SAIC

- Tesla models 3 and Y

- BMW iX3, Kia EV6, models from Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, VW, and GM

China will ban fully hidden, electronic-only, or retractable door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) starting January 1, 2027. All car doors will be required to feature a functional, accessible mechanical release for safety.

by andsoitis

2/3/2026 at 3:15:19 PM

Tesla was arguably the first major automotive brand to introduce electronic door handles back in 2012

https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehic...

by jqpabc123

2/3/2026 at 3:20:11 PM

Yes, EV and other automobile companies have copied Tesla on this and many other things.

Doesn't mean Tesla is responsible for their choices.

Especially 13 years later when we have a lot more data (do we?) that these style door handles are statistically more dangerous than alternatives.

by andsoitis

2/3/2026 at 3:55:25 PM

It is a Tesla thing. It was their idea --- they introduced it, marketed it and popularized it --- no matter how much you want to believe otherwise.

Others are responsible for being being foolish enough to copy their flawed design which prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.

by jqpabc123

2/3/2026 at 1:35:23 PM

Good

by pwg