LTA engaging dealers, manufacturers of Chinese EVs over vehicle door concerns

SINGAPORE – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is engaging dealers and manufacturers of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore to determine if vehicles in Singapore have doors that may be difficult to open in an emergency.

In an Aug 28 media reply to queries from The Straits Times, LTA said that it is aware of the recall exercise in China involving vehicles with electronic door systems, over concerns that the interior mechanical emergency door releases may be difficult to locate or operate in an emergency.

LTA said it regularly reviews vehicle safety requirements to keep pace with industry and technological developments, which includes developments relating to electronic door systems.

It added that there has not been any recall by authorised dealers in Singapore and that it has not received feedback from vehicle owners regarding difficulties in operating the doors or accessing the mechanical emergency release.

Vehicles with electronic doors approved by LTA already incorporate mechanical failsafe features that enable occupants to open the doors from inside the vehicle during emergencies.

Vehicle owners who have concerns about their vehicles are advised to contact their authorised dealers, LTA said.

It also reminded drivers and vehicle users to familiarise themselves with the vehicles which they are using, especially on the location and operation of the mechanical emergency release in the vehicles.