China has approved national standard GB 48001-2026, which sets requirements for vehicle door opening systems. The document will come into effect on January 1, 2027, rg.ru reports.

According to the new regulations, all side doors of vehicles must be equipped with a mechanical emergency release system that operates independently of the electronic systems. This mechanism must operate in the event of electronic failure, after a traffic accident, or during thermal incidents involving the batteries.

The standard sets forth a number of technical requirements. External power handles must have an independent mechanical linkage capable of withstanding a minimum load of 500 N. At least one power handle is required for each interior door. The document regulates the installation zones, visibility, and accessibility of the handles for passengers, and also requires manufacturers to provide graphic symbols and instructions for use.

The standards apply to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Most of the requirements are effective from July 1, 2025—vehicles manufactured after this date are already equipped with the relevant systems. The full transition period will end in July 2027.

The adoption of the standard is due to an increasing number of cases in which electronic door handles have prevented rapid evacuation from vehicles after accidents.