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China drafts rules to govern hidden door handles following Xiaomi EV crash
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has proposed new rules for electric vehicles requiring emergency release mechanisms and clearer signage for hidden door handles. This follows a tragic accident involving a Xiaomi EV that resulted in three fatalities, raising safety concerns regarding the ease of accessing vehicle exits in emergencies.
Key points
- The Ministry issued draft rules on May 8, 2025, focusing on emergency releases and power supply systems for EVs.
- Manufacturers must standardize signage for hidden door handles and establish physical backups for access.
- The proposal was prompted by a crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 that killed three female students in March 2025.
- Criticism emerged over the hidden door handle design, which allegedly hindered escape during the accident.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights ongoing debates about EV safety and design, particularly in China where EV adoption is rapidly increasing.
- The draft rules could set a precedent globally, reflecting a shift towards stricter safety regulations in the automotive industry.
- The focus on emergency safety measures aligns with broader 2025 IT trends emphasizing user safety and technological accountability in vehicles.
The proposed regulatory measures represent a significant response to safety concerns in the EV sector, aiming to prevent similar tragedies by enhancing exit accessibility and safety communication in vehicles.