Hong Kong Considers Banning Electric Vehicles with Only Electronic Door Handles

Hong Kong is considering a ban on electric vehicles (EVs) that are equipped solely with electronic door handles. This move comes in response to concerns raised by mainland China, which has decided to mandate the installation of physical manual releases on all new cars from 2027. The aim is to address potential safety risks associated with concealed door handles, particularly in emergency situations.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan highlighted the importance of aligning with the latest technical developments and regulatory changes in mainland China and other regions. She emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that road users in Hong Kong benefit from up-to-date safety measures.

During a recent inquiry from Ben Chan Han-pan, chairman of the Legislative Council's transport panel, Mable Chan mentioned a new national standard published by the mainland. This standard, titled "Safety technical requirements for automotive door handle" (GB 48001-2026), requires mechanical door handles to be installed on both the interior and exterior of doors for vehicles sold from 2027 onwards. The focus is on addressing issues such as the failure of door handles after accidents.

The Transport Department has consulted the trade on these requirements, with the goal of updating local vehicle safety standards in a timely manner. This will ensure that Hong Kong's vehicle standards remain current and effective.

According to existing regulations, all vehicles sold in Hong Kong that are equipped with electronic door locks must have a manual override mechanism. This ensures that passengers inside can open the doors manually in case of a power failure that renders the electronic locking system inoperable.

Mable Chan noted that currently, all relevant vehicles comply with these requirements. In May, the department intensified its oversight by reminding the industry that all imported vehicles must feature manual door releases. Starting from October 2025, manufacturers will also be required to provide buyers with clear instructions on how to operate concealed manual locks. This will help ensure emergency preparedness.

Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, stated that EV owners would not need to upgrade their cars if the city adopts the national standard. He explained that the standard only mandates that cars manufactured from 2027 onwards be equipped with manual releases both inside and out.

Lee pointed out that while current electric vehicles have internal manual releases that function even when the power is cut, there is a major limitation. These systems are generally only accessible from the inside, leaving the exterior without a corresponding mechanism for first responders to use in an emergency.

He emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures for motorists. Whether buying a new or used EV, owners must consult the service manual to understand how the internal interlocking mechanisms operate. This is crucial because sales representatives often fail to explain these features, and the internal manual releases are typically only available on the front doors rather than all four.

Lee also suggested implementing subsidiary legislation requiring EV motorists to carry two spring-loaded glass breakers on board. He argued that even manual locks could malfunction during accidents, and this inexpensive gadget could save lives during an emergency.

Currently, EVs account for more than 70% of all newly registered private cars in Hong Kong. As of February 2026, the city's total EV population reached 156,000, representing about 17.2% of all vehicles on the road. According to the Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong recorded 7,160 newly registered EVs in the first two months of this year.

The report indicated that while Tesla maintained its lead in the local EV industry with an 18% cumulative market share, Chinese brands were gaining ground. During the first two months, BYD and Zeekr emerged as competitors, capturing 17.5% and 11.5% of the market, respectively.