China’s automotive regulatory agency has recently released a draft outlining new standard requirements for door handle designs on vehicles, following scrutiny placed on Tesla’s designs. This comes after Tesla faced criticisms in both China and the United States regarding their door handle designs, prompting the company to come up with engineering solutions.
Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen mentioned in a recent interview on Bloomberg that Tesla is already working on implementing a system that combines both mechanical and electrical releases for the door handles. This move aims to address concerns raised about the functionality and safety of the door handles.
Some Tesla vehicles already have mechanical latches on all four doors to allow them to open in case of a dead battery, but additional measures are needed to meet the new standards. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released a draft titled “Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handle Safety,” which includes guidelines to improve door handle safety on vehicles.
The new standards proposed by the MIIT include requirements such as a mechanical release for every door on the vehicle, the ability to open side doors from external handles without tools, and specific dimensions for hand operation space on external door handles. These guidelines aim to enhance safety and ensure ease of use for vehicle occupants.
The China Automotive Standardization Research Institute, in collaboration with the MIIT, developed these standards after analyzing 63 vehicle models from 20 different companies. Deputy Director Rong Hui stated that the new requirements aim to address advancements in automotive electrification and the increasing variety of door handle products on the market.
In response to these new standards, Tesla plans to make adjustments to its door handles by combining both mechanical and electrical releases. This integration is intended to reduce stress in emergency situations and provide a more seamless operation for users. Franz von Holzhausen expressed confidence in Tesla’s solution, emphasizing the importance of combining electronic and manual releases for improved functionality.
Overall, the new standards set by the MIIT reflect a commitment to enhancing door handle safety on vehicles and adapting to advancements in automotive technology. Tesla’s planned adjustments align with these goals, demonstrating the company’s dedication to meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety and convenience of their vehicles.