In Depth: Are China’s Futuristic EV Designs Sacrificing Safety for Style?

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. The intense focus on style and digital innovation is being tempered by recent incidents and regulatory scrutiny, highlighting the need to reconcile consumer expectations for futuristic features with practical concerns about reliability and passenger security. [para. 1]

A prominent catalyst for this safety backlash was a fatal accident in Chengdu, Sichuan, in October 2024, involving Xiaomi Corp.’s SU7 sedan. In the incident, the car’s fashionable, power-operated flush door handles failed after the vehicle lost power and caught fire, preventing passersby from rescuing the driver. This tragedy coincided with Chinese regulators’ ongoing review of standards that could ban these popular but problematic handles, first made fashionable by Tesla. [para. 2]

The episode reflects a broader issue in China’s EV market, where automakers, seeking to gain an edge in fierce competition, introduce radical designs and digital-focused interiors, sometimes at the expense of safety and operational reliability. For instance, Tesla’s minimalist design language—featuring flush handles, grille-less front ends, and touchscreen-based controls—has been quickly adopted and extended by Chinese brands. Companies like BYD’s Yangwang and Chery Auto have added attention-grabbing features such as emergency floating functions and off-road capabilities to differentiate themselves. [para. 3][para. 5][para. 6]

Industry leaders recognize the creativity unleashed by the EV boom, likening the current landscape to a "Cambrian explosion" of new design directions. Without the constraints of gasoline engine layouts, designers can create sleeker silhouettes and more innovative cabin experiences. However, not all attempts have been popular; Li Auto’s MEGA MPV, for example, faced ridicule for its unorthodox styling before a revised, more practical version revived sales. Despite this, many believe the design shift away from engine-centric layouts is irreversible. [para. 7][para. 8][para. 9][para. 10][para. 11]

The rapid pursuit of innovative features—especially hidden door handles—has exposed potential hazards. A wide array of handle mechanisms now confound both users and emergency responders, underscoring the need for intuitive design. In response, regulators are proposing rules to require mechanical releases for all vehicle doors. This has led automakers, including Tesla, to plan modifications to enhance safety. The industry is also rethinking fully touchscreen cockpits amidst criticism for being unintuitive and difficult to navigate in emergencies. Companies like Volkswagen and Hyundai are reintroducing physical controls for essential functions, highlighting the need to balance digital innovation with user accessibility and safety. Digital rearview mirrors have similarly raised alarms due to their dependence on electronic displays, which can fail and leave drivers with no visibility. [para. 13][para. 14][para. 15][para. 16][para. 17][para. 18][para. 19][para. 20][para. 21][para. 22]

China’s automakers have transformed rapidly since the 2010s, moving from outsourcing designs to developing world-class, in-house design capabilities and attracting global talent. Market scale and consumer demand for advanced in-cabin technology force continual innovation and iteration. Some Chinese manufacturers are now developing models intended to compete globally, and industry experts predict Chinese designers will soon set international trends. However, true global design leadership will require strong international branding and distribution. [para. 23][para. 24][para. 25][para. 26][para. 27][para. 28][para. 29][para. 30][para. 31]

In summary, the Chinese EV industry is balancing a wave of design experimentation and creative freedom with critical demands for safety, usability, and reliability. Regulators and automakers acknowledge that sustaining innovation in the electric age means ensuring that bold design does not come at the expense of consumer trust and safety. [para. 32]