China shows the way on dangerous car doors

BE IT censorship or price wars, Beijing has a track record of cracking down on tech firms for all sorts of reasons. But here’s an effort everyone should get behind: Ridding the streets of electric vehicles (EVs) with doors that don’t open properly after losing power. This endeavour is taking on new urgency following a deadly crash involving a flagship sedan.

The accident last week in the south-western city of Chengdu became the talk of the nation. Not that auto collisions are rare in China. Apart from the flaming wreckage and images of passersby heroically trying to rescue the lone driver, it was notable for the apparent involvement of a vehicle from Xiaomi, the lone tech player to successfully break into the auto industry. 

Police attributed the incident to drunk driving by the deceased motorist. It has renewed attention on China’s EV safety push. Last month, the technology regulator unveiled a proposal to impose new standards on vehicle doors, including an effective ban on flush handles.