China bans concealed door handles in all vehicles sold nationwide

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 09 Feb 2026

Hidden door handles are a signature feature of Tesla vehicles, and the ban comes at a time when Tesla’s global sales are declining and the company is facing intense competition in China, the world’s second-largest car market.

Externally, hidden door handles are flush with the surface of the door. When one side of the handle is pressed, a lever pops out. From the inside, passengers must press a button to open the door.

Although Tesla is widely known for this type of door handle, several electric vehicle manufacturers in China have also adopted the design, including major companies such as Xiaomi and Aiways.