KATHMANDU: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) plans to mandate physical control buttons for essential vehicle functions in all new cars starting July 1, 2027, media reports say.
The move aims to reduce reliance on large central touchscreens, which have become common in Chinese new energy vehicles with minimalistic cockpit designs.
The update is part of a revision to the national standard GB4094-2016 on automotive control markings. It will require physical controls for essential functions such as turn signals, hazard lights, horn, gear shifting (P/R/N/D), ADAS activation, windshield wipers, defroster, power windows, AECS and EV power-off switch. Screen-only gear selectors will not be allowed.
The revision process began in 2023 and involves institutions and automakers including China Automotive Technology and Research Center, Geely, BYD and Great Wall Motor.
The draft also specifies minimum button size, fixed positioning, blind operation capability and system reliability even in case of crashes or power loss.
