Are China’s Futuristic EV Designs Sacrificing Safety for Style?
A fatal crash involving a Xiaomi sedan sparked national concern when bystanders were unable to open the vehicle’s flush, power-operated door handles — a design feature already under regulatory review. This incident highlights a growing tension between bold, futuristic electric vehicle (EV) designs and safety considerations in China.
Fatal Incident in Chengdu
In October, a Xiaomi SU7 sedan lost power and caught fire in Chengdu, Sichuan, resulting in the driver's death. Passersby attempting to help could not open the car’s hidden, power-operated door handles.
“The design that regulators were already looking at banning”
This fatality has intensified scrutiny as regulations are being revised to potentially ban flush door handles, a style initially popularized by Tesla Inc.
Industry Tensions
Chinese EV manufacturers are eager to lead with innovative and sleek designs. However, this rush toward cutting-edge aesthetics is facing pushback due to emerging safety concerns tied to engineering trade-offs.
“The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing a growing tension between innovative design and engineering safety, as manufacturers race to define the aesthetics of the EV era while confronting new safety challenges.”
Related Industry Responses
- Li Auto is focusing its all-electric ambitions on a new SUV model.
- Li Auto has initiated a recall of over 11,000 MEGA vehicles following a fire incident.
As design innovation accelerates, safety regulations continue to evolve to address these challenges within China’s rapidly expanding EV market.