On April 18, NIO responded to inquiries regarding whether hidden door handles would adhere to new national standards once implemented, stating that all its currently offered models can utilize hidden door handles without issue and are in full compliance. It has been reported that the mandatory national standard, titled "Safety Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handles," was officially issued on February 2, 2026. This standard will be phased in for new models starting from January 2027 and extending to January 2028, and for models already in production (including those undergoing facelifts) from January 2029 onwards. Regarding the clause that addresses the prohibition of hidden door handles, the new national standard specifies that new models announced before December 31, 2027, as well as current or facelifted models produced before December 31, 2028, are permitted to use hidden door handles. NIO emphasized that it has been actively involved in the development of the new national standard, consistently placing user safety at the forefront. The company firmly supports the standardized management of both interior and exterior door handles and maintains self-discipline by adhering to requirements that surpass industry norms. As for the design of future models, NIO pledged to thoroughly examine the new regulations to ensure all models are in line with the updated standards. The safety of currently available models has undergone rigorous testing, and users can rest assured in their use.
