Tesla was the first carmaker to introduce flush door handles - Smith Collection/Gado/Archive PhotosTesla could be forced to redesign the hidden door handles on its electric vehicles (EVs) that have been blamed for trapping people inside burning cars. In response to the petition, the NHTSA said it had declined to launch an investigation into Tesla's door handles. Recessed and electronic door handles have surged in popularity among electric car manufacturers, in particular among Chinese EV brands. China became the first country in the world to ban the hidden door handles in response to the safety concerns. European regulators have also flagged concerns around the electronic door handles as a key priority, citing issues about people being trapped inside cars.