China Bans Hidden Door Handles on Electric Vehicles Over Safety Concerns
China became the first country to ban hidden door handles on electric vehicles (EVs) due to safety concerns, with the new regulations set to take effect on January 1, 2027, according to state media. The ban mandates that all cars sold in China must have a mechanical release for doors, both inside and outside the vehicle.
The decision follows increased scrutiny of EV safety worldwide, prompted by several incidents, including two fatal crashes in China involving Xiaomi EVs where suspected power failures prevented doors from opening. These incidents highlighted the potential dangers of relying solely on electronic door release mechanisms.
The ban specifically targets the concealed door handle designs popularized by Tesla, according to The Verge. These handles, which sit flush with the car's body and retract when activated, have raised concerns about occupants being trapped inside a vehicle in the event of a power failure or accident.
In other news, Consumer Reports released its list of top 10 vehicles for 2026, highlighting a shift towards electrification. For the first time, all top 10 vehicles come in electric or hybrid versions, offering benefits such as better acceleration, quieter cabins, and improved fuel economy, according to the product testing and research group. Alex Knizek, director of auto test development at Consumer Reports, noted that "Everything here is electrified, so to speak." The list includes several models priced below the average $50,000 starting price for a new vehicle.
Meanwhile, in the tech world, Fitbit founders James Park and Eric Friedman announced the launch of a new AI startup called Luffu, TechCrunch reported. Luffu aims to develop an intelligent family care system, starting with an app and expanding into hardware devices, to help families proactively monitor their health. The platform uses AI to gather and organize family information, learn day-to-day patterns, and flag notable changes. "At Fitbit, we focused on personal health," Park said, hinting at a broader vision for Luffu.
Also, Elon Musk's SpaceX is taking over his artificial intelligence (AI) start-up, xAI, in a merger that would create the world's most valuable private company, according to the BBC. SpaceX confirmed the deal, posting a memo from Musk about the merger on its website. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, a source familiar with the matter said it valued xAI at $125 billion and SpaceX at $1 trillion. Musk stated in his memo that the combination would form an "innovation engine" bringing AI, rockets, space-based internet, and media under one roof.
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