NIO has released a statement addressing inquiries regarding the safety and compliance of the hidden door handle design featured on its latest intelligent executive flagship SUV, the NIO ES9. Presently, all models in NIO’s range, including the ES9, are equipped with hidden door handles that operate effectively and conform to current national standards. According to the "Safety Technical Requirements for Vehicle Door Handles," which were approved on January 28, 2026, new models seeking type approval from January 1, 2027, will be required to meet these standards. Existing models, on the other hand, have until January 1, 2029, to achieve compliance. Consequently, the ES9, as it is currently available, remains unaffected by these new regulations.
NIO emphasized its significant contribution to the development of the relevant standards and underscored its unwavering commitment to user safety. The ES9 boasts a range of safety features, such as automatic unlocking and door handle ejection in the event of a collision, a pre-set mechanical opening mechanism, a dual low-voltage battery redundancy design, and a door handle ice-breaking capability. Additionally, NIO noted that future vehicle designs will thoroughly incorporate the stipulations of the new regulations.