Motorists are being alerted that a popular automotive design feature could be phased out from future vehicles after Chinese authorities implemented a prohibition, citing serious safety risks. This development centres on the sleek, flush-fitting door handles commonly found on modern electric vehicles, which have been implicated in tragic incidents.
China Acts on Safety Fears Following Fatal Crashes
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has enacted a ban on these concealed handles after investigating two deadly collisions involving Xiaomi electric cars. In these accidents, it is suspected that power failures may have trapped occupants by preventing the doors from opening electronically.
As a direct result, from the start of 2026, all new vehicles sold in China must be equipped with a mandatory mechanical release mechanism, operable from both inside and outside the door, to ensure egress during emergencies.
UK Experts Advocate for Battery Health Transparency
Simultaneously, in the United Kingdom, the new Labour government is facing calls to introduce a system of "battery health certificates" for electric vehicles. This initiative aims to address a significant barrier within the second-hand electric car market: consumer apprehension about battery lifespan and condition.
Building Confidence in the Used EV Market
Recent surveys indicate that nearly one in five potential buyers would be more inclined to purchase a pre-owned electric vehicle if a verified battery health report were provided. This contrasts sharply with the prevailing scepticism; a mere two per cent of drivers of conventional petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars believe EV batteries typically outlast traditional combustion engines.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, emphasised that "a lack of understanding" about battery technology is eroding buyer confidence. She advocates for a clear, standardised measure of battery health, independently verified and updated at MOT tests for vehicles over three years old. "This would take much of the fear out of buying a used EV and unlock the used market faster than short-term incentives," she stated.
Buckley further argued that practical measures like mandatory independent battery checks, improved consumer education, and access to affordable finance would stimulate demand more effectively than continuing to focus predominantly on new EV sales.
Industry Leaders Echo the Call for Action
Edmund King, President of the AA, highlighted the transformative potential of a thriving used EV sector, noting, "A big uptick in the sales of used EVs would be a game changer. Drivers need convincing on battery longevity before buying used EVs."
Mark Smith, head of fleet and used cars at Tesla UK and Ireland, pointed out that Tesla vehicles already incorporate built-in battery health diagnostics. "We hope other manufacturers adopt this thinking to benefit the transition to sustainable energy," he added, suggesting industry-wide standards could accelerate adoption.
These parallel developments—a safety-driven design ban in a major global market and a push for greater transparency in the UK's used car sector—underscore the evolving regulatory and consumer landscape for electric vehicles, where innovation must be carefully balanced with practical safety and trust.
