Tesla Slides as China’s Door-Handle Rules Force EV Redesigns
Tesla shares fell 2.65% to $462.62 amid a broader market reaction to China's sweeping safety mandate banning retractable door handles on electric vehicles. The 2027 rule requires mechanical access systems, challenging automakers to balance sleek designs with emergency functionality.
Regulators specified precise positioning and all-weather reliability standards after incidents highlighted rescue risks with power-dependent mechanisms. The policy affects all vehicles under 3.5 tons, forcing retrofits for models like Tesla's signature flush handles.
Industry analysts note the rules may accelerate a shift toward hybrid handle designs. 'Form follows function becomes non-negotiable when regulators mandate fail-safes,' said Bernstein auto analyst Zhou Chen.
