aerodynamic efficiency
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DeepBlue CEO Slams MIIT’s Hidden Door Handle Ban, Calls Them “Social Progress”
Shenlan Auto CEO Deng Chenghao defended hidden door handles as emblematic of EV innovation amid China’s MIIT safety review, which highlights emergency risks like mechanical failures. Deng cited aerodynamic benefits (3% drag reduction) and cost efficiencies, asserting Shenlan’s rotating mechanisms ensure reliable emergency access. Global regulators weigh sleek design against proven safety, with traditional handles showing higher recognition in crises. Proposed standards could add ¥150-300 per vehicle for safety redundancies, contrasting with assembly-line savings. The debate reflects China’s automotive pivot: balancing Silicon Valley-inspired minimalism with engineering rigor to meet decarbonization goals while addressing emergency access concerns globally.
