Two New National Standards for Electric Vehicles Take Effect on July 1

[Policy Implementation] The two mandatory national standards—'Safety Requirements for Electric Vehicles' and 'Safety Requirements for Traction Batteries'—will take effect on July 1.

Core Development: Safety Logic Shifts from 'Flammable but Escape-Feasible' to 'Absolutely No Fire'

The new national standard GB 38031–2025 explicitly requires that battery cells must neither catch fire nor explode after thermal runaway, and that high-temperature gases must not enter the passenger compartment, completely abandoning the previous concept of a '5-minute escape window.' Additionally, two new mandatory tests have been introduced: underbody impact and fast-charging cycle.

Key Data: Dual Upgrades in Physical Power Disconnection and Thermal Runaway Prevention

The vehicle-level standard GB 18384–2025 mandates for the first time the inclusion of a physical 'one-touch power cutoff' device, ensuring the high-voltage system can be disconnected with a single action during accidents. Battery packs must maintain structural integrity under extreme conditions to prevent fires caused by underbody impacts or flying debris.

Industry Impact: Elevated Safety Threshold Reshapes Competitive Landscape

Leading companies such as BYD and Geely report they have already met the new requirements ahead of schedule, while smaller manufacturers now face dual pressures of technology and cost. Together, these two standards establish a comprehensive safety closed-loop across the entire chain—from cells to battery packs to complete vehicles—positioning Chinese standards for global leadership.