Forum: China’s new EV door rules are a warning Singapore should heed early

There are now about 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on Singapore’s roads, including early models registered even before 2020. As this fleet ages, components such as electronic door handles, actuators and 12-volt systems will inevitably wear out.

China has

recently banned concealed door handles in EVs

and requires mechanical door releases on the inside and outside. The international standards adopted by car brands in Singapore ensure baseline crash integrity, but do not explicitly test EV-specific failure situations such as getting out of the car in the event of a power outage or jammed electronic handles or door operation during battery fires, especially in ageing vehicles.

I hope the Land Transport Authority and manufacturers can clarify some concerns.

How significant is the risk that doors cannot be opened mechanically if power is lost? Are there plans for current models to receive hardware retrofits, marking on doors or software updates? What emergency scenarios have actually been tested, and are rescue procedures standardised with first responders? Who bears the financial risk if insurers later reprice coverage for such designs?

Clear answers will help give drivers and passengers peace of mind when purchasing or using EVs.

Chong Ryh Huei