Dramatic Shift in Electric Vehicle Design Trends in China: What is the Reason?

GUANGZHOU, KOMPAS.com — The trend in electric vehicle design, which once idolised futuristic aspects such as hidden or pop-up door handles, is now reversing direction. In China, several automotive manufacturers have been observed reincorporating conventional door handles into their latest products. This move is not merely about aesthetics but is closely tied to changes in safety regulations that are being strictly enforced in the Land of the Bamboo Curtain. Two new models not yet available in Indonesia, namely the Aion N60 and Aion i60, do not use “hidden” door handles but instead employ conventional door handle designs. Iqbal Taufiqurrahman, Product Planning and Strategy for GAC Indonesia, confirmed that this design change is a direct response to the new policy in China that will come into effect in 2026. “Pop-up door handles in China will no longer be allowed from 2026, but in Indonesia, there is no such regulation yet,” said Iqbal in Guangzhou, China, on Wednesday (22/4/2026). “Furthermore, for the vehicles we are launching in 2026, such as the N60 and i60, they already use conventional door handles,” he added. The return to conventional handle models has been driven by a thorough evaluation of passenger safety. In China, relevant authorities are tightening these rules due to potential risks posed by pop-up models. This can impede the evacuation process for passengers by rescue teams or bystanders. The regulations require vehicles to have more reliable mechanical door-opening mechanisms that are easily accessible in critical conditions, without relying entirely on electronic systems. The situation in Indonesia is quite different. Currently, there is no specific regulation prohibiting the use of pop-up door handles. However, trends in China typically serve as a benchmark for the global market, given that the country is one of the world’s leading hubs for vehicle development.