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China will ban retractable car handles beginning Jan. 1, 2027

Under the proposed rules, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must be equipped with interior and exterior car door handles that include a mechanical emergency opening function. The requirement is intended to ensure doors can be opened during power failures or after collisions.

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[-] underisk@lemmy.ml 34 points 1 week ago

Why are these even a thing to begin with? Do they offer any material benefit over a regular mechanical handle? It seems like a pretty substantial failure point to introduce for something purely aesthetic.

[-] TheRealKuni@piefed.social 21 points 1 week ago

I’ve heard it’s about aerodynamics but I can’t imagine either a divot for the underside of the handle or even a handle sticking out entirely makes THAT much range difference.

[-] Lemmyoutofhere@lemmy.ca 10 points 1 week ago

Ya, it doesn’t. It’s purely a marketing gimmick.

[-] JillyB@beehaw.org 4 points 1 week ago

Door handles can be a big aero disruptor. But there are door handles that are more aerodynamic. I think Aston Martin (used to?) use one that is flush until you press the front with your thumb. Then the handle pivots out so you can pull it. That would give the same benefits as a retracting door handle.

[-] burble@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago

That sounds like Tesla door handles?

[-] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 4 points 1 week ago

because elon musk , tesla started doing it, he said something along the lines it doesnt look cool.

this post was submitted on 26 Dec 2025
238 points (100.0% liked)

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