Are Tesla-style Door Handles Doomed?
- Published on 24/08/2026 7:02
- Modified on 24/08/2026 7:02
For a long time a symbol of modernity, flush door handles are now under scrutiny from Chinese authorities following a recall affecting several million vehicles.
They have become almost indispensable on modern electric cars. Integrated into the bodywork and sometimes fully retractable, door handles popularized by Tesla promise a cleaner style and a small aerodynamic benefit. However, their future is looking increasingly bleak.
In China, an unprecedented recall involves approximately 4.3 million vehicles from nine manufacturers, including nearly three million Teslas. The issue: problems that could prevent the doors from opening in certain situations, particularly after an accident or when the vehicle’s power is interrupted.
A Real Safety Issue
This matter has now far exceeded the scope of a simple recall. Chinese authorities have decided to tighten regulations and plan to restrict fully concealed handles starting in 2027, to ensure that a door can always be opened easily and mechanically from the outside.
The decision could have consequences far beyond China. As the world’s largest automotive market and a major production hub for electric vehicles, the country holds enough weight to prompt manufacturers to design their future models according to its rules.
Tesla is no longer the only one affected by this aesthetic trend. Many Chinese, European, American, and Korean manufacturers are now using flush handles, sometimes motorized. Some systems already have a mechanical part that is permanently accessible, a solution that could become the norm.
The paradox is delightful: after spending years making handles disappear to give their cars a more futuristic look, designers may have to bring them back. The good old mechanical handle may not have said its last word.
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This page is translated from the original post "Les poignées de portes façon Tesla sont-elles condamnées ?" in French.
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