Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China as part of a wider industry move to improve access to emergency door releases. The update is designed to help occupants open doors more easily if a crash or fire disables electronic systems.
Alongside Tesla, several automakers in China are taking similar steps, including Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely's Zeekr and Lynk & Co. The response combines warning labels with software updates, aiming to make backup door mechanisms easier to identify and use.
The issue has gained attention as electronic door latches become more common in modern EVs. These systems offer a sleek design and convenient smartphone or card-based entry, yet manufacturers still need to ensure a manual option remains accessible when power is lost.
China has already signaled a broader shift, saying it plans to prohibit hidden, electronically actuated exterior door handles from 2027 after a two-year review. In parallel, Tesla has said it is working on redesigning its door handles for future models.
The move reflects a larger evolution in vehicle design, where smart features are increasingly being balanced with practical safety access. In the years ahead, this approach could help set new global standards for intuitive, human-centered car technology.
