Overview
- The two upgraded national standards for electric vehicles and power batteries took effect Wednesday and set mandatory new safety requirements for new type approvals and future production.
- The vehicle rule requires a mechanical one-button high-voltage disconnect that severs the battery circuit independently of vehicle electronics so occupants or responders can cut power if systems fail.
- The battery standard raises thermal-propagation limits to a 'no fire, no explosion' outcome, bars smoke that harms occupants, and forces a 300 fast-charge cycle durability check followed by an external short-circuit test.
- New structural tests target underbody risks with repeated 10 kg impact strikes on battery bottoms and a 35 km/h underbody scraping test, and the battery rule defines a test matrix of seven cell tests and 17 pack/system tests for heat, collision, short circuit, overcharge and related scenarios.
- Implementation is phased: models seeking new type approval after the rule took effect must comply immediately, in‑sale models have until July 1, 2027 to upgrade, regulators say existing roadworthy vehicles need no forced retrofit, and several domestic brands report early compliance to smooth the transition.