Australia’s leading vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, is advocating for a nationwide ban on electric-only door handles in new cars. The call follows similar regulations implemented in China, where manufacturers will be required to include mechanical backup releases on all vehicles beginning in 2027, with full enforcement by 2029.
Why This Matters: The shift toward sleek, electronically operated door handles—popular in brands like Tesla and BYD—presents a significant safety risk. In emergencies, occupants could be trapped if the vehicle’s power fails, hindering both their escape and rescue efforts by first responders. This isn’t just about electric vehicles (EVs) either; many new petrol and hybrid models are also adopting the same design.
The Problem with Electric-Only Systems
Current Australian Design Rules (ADRs) require interior door releases but don’t specifically address the danger of exclusively electronic handles. ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg stresses that waiting for regulations is risky, as other nations are already moving to address the issue. “The concern is warranted; it’s an area where there’s opportunity for the government to sweep up and stop this from happening,” she stated in an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne.
The core issue is simple: if a car loses power—due to a crash, submersion in water, or a mechanical failure—doors relying solely on electricity may become inoperable. Emergency services rely on quick access, and electronic handles can delay or prevent that.
Global Efforts to Address the Risk
Australia is already participating in a UN working group assessing vehicle door opening mechanisms in emergencies. The group agreed that doors should be easily opened even after electrical failure. While the ADRs are generally aligned with UN standards, the issue of electronic handles is only now being formally addressed.
ANCAP’s Role and Future Protocols
ANCAP is set to introduce new safety protocols in 2026, in collaboration with Euro NCAP. These protocols are expected to further emphasize the need for mechanical backups. However, ANCAP ratings are voluntary, meaning manufacturers can still sell vehicles with electric-only handles if they choose.
What Consumers Should Do: According to Hoorweg, the best course of action for concerned drivers is to contact their dealership and ask how to manually open the doors in an emergency. This is especially relevant as the trend toward electric handles expands beyond EVs into conventional vehicles.
The modern design trend presents a clear risk, and proactive regulation is essential to ensure passenger safety in emergency situations.
The debate over electric-only door handles underscores a broader tension between automotive innovation and fundamental safety standards. As technology advances, regulators must adapt to prevent design choices from compromising the well-being of drivers and passengers.
