Starting in July 2026! New national standards for electric vehicle batteries will require that the batteries do not ignite or explode for at least two hours after a thermal runaway event.
On April 15, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officially announced the release of the GB38031-2025 <i>Safety Requirements for Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles</i>. These new regulations will be implemented starting from July 1, 2026, and are aimed at enhancing the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The new standards impose stricter requirements on the thermal runaway characteristics of batteries, which are now referred to as the <b>“most stringent battery safety regulations ever.”</b>
The new standards include seven key test items and 17 safety test requirements, which will assess the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The tests will focus on ensuring that the batteries do not ignite or explode under specified conditions, including a thermal runaway scenario.
Compared to the previous national standards set in 2020, the new guidelines extend the timeframe for thermal runaway assessments to <b>two hours</b>. This means that the batteries must remain safe and stable without igniting or exploding for at least two hours following a thermal runaway event, with the temperature not exceeding <b>60°C</b>.
The design specifications will also restrict the self-heating of lithium-ion batteries during production, further enhancing safety measures. Additionally, the new regulations will require that the batteries withstand impacts of <b>150 Joules</b> without showing any signs of thermal runaway, ignition, or explosion.
These updates reflect a significant shift in the approach to battery safety, with a focus on reducing risks and enhancing consumer protection. The new guidelines are expected to improve the overall safety of electric vehicles and increase consumer confidence in electric mobility.
<b>Conclusion:</b> The upcoming regulations mark a crucial step in ensuring the safety of electric vehicle batteries, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in the automotive industry.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/new-national-standards-for-electric-vehicle-batteries-set-to-launch-in-july-2026-aiming-for-two-hour-fire-safety-compliance/
