# China's banning Tesla-style door handles **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 4, 2026, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358 "2026-02-04T05:11:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/21 "2026-02-04T16:51:59Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > That would of course be a stupid thing to do, which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if he does. Yeah, no. Tesla announced last year that they’re in the process of a redesign. They have until the end of 2028 to comply. > **[China Announces Ban on Electric Door Handles, Forcing Tesla to Redesign Model...](https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/3563/china-announces-ban-on-electric-door-handles-forcing-tesla-to-redesign-model-3-and-model-y)** > > China officially bans hidden car door handles starting in 2027. Tesla’s Chief Designer confirms a redesign is already in the works ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/22 "2026-02-04T16:59:18Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Bottom line: mechanical doorhandles are not freeze-proof either. Yeah, I knew a guy who worked for IBM in White Plains, and he was telling me about always having to carry a cigarette lighter with him in winter. Even though he wasn’t a smoker. He needed it to melt the ice around his door handles. As a native of SoCal, I always got a kick out of these kinds of horror stories. 🥶 ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/23 "2026-02-04T17:01:12Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Bottom line: mechanical doorhandles are not freeze-proof either. Of course not, but that’s also no reason to let the perfect become the enemy of the good. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/24 "2026-02-04T18:10:45Z")
I use Uber/Lyft a fair amount. Once in a while the car is a Tesla. I always struggle to figure out how to open the door. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/25 "2026-02-04T20:15:52Z")
An Uber was the first time I ever rode in a Tesla. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/26 "2026-02-04T21:15:01Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > But it is “convenient” that China is de facto banning the only non-Chinese made EVs in the world’s largest and fastest growing EV market. Yep. I mean, it is just another way to limit foreign imports. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/27 "2026-02-04T21:18:45Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > But it is “convenient” that China is de facto banning the only non-Chinese made EVs in the world’s largest and fastest growing EV market. Tesla has 1 whole year to change… door handles! … The Chinese pump out a whole new car in this period. And quite a few Chinese cars also have them. [![](https://callegari.cl/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GacMotor-Emzoom-AzulOscuro.jpg) ](https://callegari.cl/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GacMotor-Emzoom-AzulOscuro.jpg) [![](https://callegari.cl/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GacMotor-Emzoom-Exterior02.jpg) ](https://callegari.cl/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GacMotor-Emzoom-Exterior02.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/28 "2026-02-04T21:26:08Z")
> [@bump](#): > > It sort of is, though. Stuff like handles and latches for cars should be mechanical and not dependent on the car’s electrical system to function, if only for safety reasons Yep, also that unnatural/non-intuitive electric trunk-hatch-botton-thingy ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/29 "2026-02-04T21:32:01Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > They might look cool, but what happens when they don’t work? One cannot climb out the window? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/30 "2026-02-04T21:42:09Z")
> [@Al128](#): > > Tesla has 1 whole year to change… door handles! … Two years and they supposedly have been working on it since last year. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/31 "2026-02-04T21:42:50Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Stuff like handles and latches for cars should be mechanical and not dependent on the car’s electrical system to function, if only for safety reasons. It’s incredible that any automobile manufacturer would have designed them any other way. I mean, it’s fine to have electrically operated door locks, but there must also be key access from the outside, and, crucially, a very obvious and visible handle on the inside that unlocks and opens the door even if it’s locked. My previous car had a pushbutton trunk release in the dash. In the current car, which is much newer, the trunk release is a mechanical pull handle at the floor level beside the driver’s seat. Why? Because despite the car being loaded with fancy electronics, the manufacturer felt that a mechanical control for critical functions would be more reliable. Indeed, in one of my previous cars, both the electrically operated trunk lock and one of the electric door locks both eventually failed. > [@LSLGuy](#): > > Bottom line: mechanical doorhandles are not freeze-proof either. Of course. But there have been so many stories about frozen Tesla door handles that I have the strong impression that the problem can be caused simply by cold weather. Whereas problems with conventional door handles will usually be the result of some extreme condition like freezing rain. In all my many years of living in this cold clime, I can’t remember if or when I’ve ever had a door handle freeze up on me. Even after freezing rain, you just give it a firm tug, and the ice breaks off. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/32 "2026-02-04T21:56:11Z")
I makes sense that people designing door handles in Detroit would have a better idea of these situations than people in the SF Bay and Austin. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/33 "2026-02-04T21:58:47Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > > [@LSLGuy](#): > > > > Bottom line: mechanical doorhandles are not freeze-proof either. > > Yeah, I knew a guy who worked for IBM in White Plains, and he was telling me about always having to carry a cigarette lighter with him in winter. Even though he wasn’t a smoker. He needed it to melt the ice around his door handles. > > As a native of SoCal, I always got a kick out of these kinds of horror stories. 🥶 White Plains, America’s Arctic tundra. 😬 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/34 "2026-02-04T22:04:56Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I makes sense that people designing door handles in Detroit would have a better idea of these situations than people in the SF Bay and Austin Or if they left with any doubt they could call up their colleagues at Volvo. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/35 "2026-02-04T23:11:56Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Stuff like handles and latches for cars should be mechanical and not dependent on the car’s electrical system to function, if only for safety reasons. Tesla has that; however, it’s hidden & non-intuitive, rendering it somewhat less than ideal in an emergency (& panicked) situation. > [@carnivorousplant](#): > > One cannot climb out the window? If the electric doors won’t open due to lack of power why do you think the electric windows would go down w/o power? I’m a first responder; I’m trained in how to & have used the ‘Jaws of Life’. I have (spring-loaded) window punches in our vehicles & in my gear; mostly so I can help others but to save myself if necessary. They can be purchased, with a recessed seat belt cutter for \< $10. My life & family member’s life is worth that! You can probably find videos on Youtube on how to use them _if_ they don’t come with decent instructions. If not, DM me & I’ll tell you how to use them. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/36 "2026-02-04T23:22:33Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I still can’t see a single good reason why Tesla had to use door handles like that, except a stubborn “We’re going to be different just to be different.” Supposedly the Tesla style door handles are more aerodynamic, thus improving the vehicle’s range. I’m sure car designers would love to get rid of side mirrors, too (they _really_ mess up the aerodynamics), if it weren’t for the fact that they’re legally required to have them. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/37 "2026-02-05T00:11:26Z")
Obviously they are more aerodynamic. Removing anything that reduces drag - handles, antennas, mirrors - would improve fuel economy. But those darned safety considerations and all… And yes, side mirrors are less aerodynamic as well. There have been tests to replace them with camera systems. They haven’t been approved for use in the US. Tesla tried to get that approved too but didn’t get anywhere. But other manufacturers (Audi and Toyota are effectively there on some models already) are hopping on that bandwagon, so they may start appearing in other countries and may, after sufficient real world use, get some traction in the US as well. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/38 "2026-02-05T00:45:58Z")
Teslas have three different style of exterior door handles: 1. **Model S** , flush mounted door handles that use a motor to appear when a key comes near the car 2. **Model 3 & Y** , flush mounted door handles that are just levers; one end of the handle is pressed, and the other comes out to be pulled 3. **Model X & Cybertruck** , outside buttons that are pressed to open the doors All of them are electric poppers, not mechanical releases. I do not see how flush handles like on the 3 and Y would be a problem _if they were connected to a mechanical release._ The electric poppers, on Teslas _and all other cars_, are a problem. The motorized door handles on the S are a problem. The buttons are only a problem because they requires the electric poppers. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/39 "2026-02-05T14:16:41Z")
Here’s a video of why doors should have mechanical levers. It’s a 1 minute clip of an accident, in which an electric car skids off the road and bursts into flames. > **[Reddit - The heart of the internet](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1qwjbk0/selfless_rescue_operation_without_hesitation_well/)** It seems to be real, not AI.(though I’m not sure who was filming). . ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358/40 "2026-02-05T15:32:17Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > An Uber was the first time I ever rode in a Tesla. One of my coworkers has one. When he drove to lunch one day, he had to give a safety briefing on how to open the rear doors in an emergency. Whoever designed that should be locked in a tesla and dropped in a lake. The front doors aren’t so bad. The emergency door handle is so intuitive in the front that I used it instead of the proper electric release. I was informed I could have broke his windows doing that! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinas-banning-tesla-style-door-handles/1027358.md?page=3)