From January 1 2026, ... all new cars sold in China will need handles that can be manually opened in an emergency, even when a car has lost power. The US is currently considering a similar move.

The ban followed a series of sometimes fatal incidents, where people were trapped inside burning, flooded or frozen cars, with doors unable to be opened from the outside.

Australia risks becoming a “dumping” ground for electric cars following the introduction of new Chinese safety rules from next year, a report for Australian car dealers has warned.

The Australian Automotive Dealers’ Association – which represents 3,900 new car and truck dealers – recently released an independent report by legal expert Emeritus Professor Jenny Buchan.

It largely focused on problems with drivers getting car repairs done under Australian consumer law. But the report also concluded:

Australia should not ignore the risk of stock dumping following China’s approach to EVs with flush door handles. The US has also recognised the problems flush door handles cause and responded by introducing a bill to the House of Representatives.

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