China has expanded its scrutiny of Tesla and other electric vehicle makers, with a record 4.3 million vehicles now subject to recalls over concerns that occupants may struggle to open their doors during an emergency.
The development comes days after China ordered Tesla to recall nearly 3 million vehicles over problems linked to its electronic door systems, a move previously reported by Tech Regard.
The latest action shows the Tesla recall is part of a much wider safety push involving several major automakers.
Tesla, Xiaomi, Leapmotor and other manufacturers will fix vehicles affected by emergency door-release mechanisms that may be difficult to identify or operate, particularly when a car loses power after a crash.
Most of the fixes will involve clearer labels showing occupants where to find the mechanical releases, while automakers will also deploy software updates designed to improve emergency escape.
Tesla accounts for about 2.98 million of the vehicles involved, covering China-made and imported versions of the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X.
The recall follows China’s decision earlier this year to ban exterior electronic door handles that do not have a traditional mechanical mechanism.
The new requirement will apply to new vehicle models from next year and could force manufacturers to move away from the flush and concealed handles popularised by Tesla.
The issue has attracted growing attention after accidents in which occupants or rescuers reportedly struggled to open vehicle doors.
Chinese authorities have been particularly focused on the risk of people becoming trapped inside electric vehicles after a crash or fire.
The latest measures also point to a broader change in China’s approach to vehicle regulation. The country has moved rapidly to become the world’s largest electric vehicle market, but regulators are now placing greater emphasis on safety as automakers introduce increasingly sophisticated features and designs.
Electric vehicles account for almost 55% of new car sales in China, giving Beijing significant influence over the global automotive industry.
Analysts say China’s faster regulatory response could eventually influence how vehicles are designed in other markets, particularly as Chinese safety standards become more demanding.
“China is, bit by bit, approaching regulatory leadership for advanced vehicle tech,” Pedro Pacheco, a vice president of research at Gartner, said.
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The shift could have particular implications for Tesla because China is both a major market and an important production base for the company.
Rather than maintaining a different door design specifically for China, analysts say Tesla could eventually adapt its vehicles globally to meet the country’s requirements.
The United States and Europe have also faced concerns over electronic door handles, but regulators there have so far moved more slowly.
In July, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a petition seeking an investigation into the emergency mechanical door release on about 180,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles would be better addressed through an ongoing rule-making process.
For Tesla, the latest recall adds to growing pressure to rethink a design feature that has become closely associated with its minimalist approach to vehicle interiors and exteriors.
For China, however, the recall represents something bigger: an effort to ensure that rapid advances in electric and connected-car technology do not come at the expense of basic safety.
As Beijing prepares to introduce tougher requirements for vehicle door handles, the measures could give China a greater role in shaping safety standards for the next generation of electric vehicles worldwide.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
