Sure, here’s a detailed article about the new energy vehicle (NEV) safety standards in China, based on the information from JETRO:
China Elevates NEV Safety: New Standards Prioritize Battery and Driving Safety
Tokyo, Japan – July 9, 2025 – The Chinese government has unveiled a significant set of new safety standards for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), signaling a strong commitment to prioritizing the well-being of consumers. The announcement, made by the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) and reported by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), indicates a bolstered focus on battery safety, driving system integrity, and overall vehicle performance in the rapidly growing NEV sector.
This development is particularly noteworthy as China continues to lead the global market in NEV production and sales. By implementing stricter safety regulations, Beijing aims to build consumer confidence and ensure the sustainable growth of its electric vehicle industry.
Key Areas of Focus in the New Standards:
While the JETRO report doesn’t detail every specific regulation, it highlights several crucial areas where these new standards are expected to have a substantial impact:
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Enhanced Battery Safety: The most critical aspect of NEV safety revolves around the battery system, the power source for electric vehicles. The new standards are anticipated to introduce more rigorous testing protocols and performance requirements for battery packs. This could include:
- Improved Thermal Management: Stricter guidelines for preventing overheating and thermal runaway, a key concern in battery safety.
- Crashworthiness of Battery Enclosures: Enhanced requirements for the structural integrity of battery casings to protect them from damage during collisions.
- Battery Management System (BMS) Performance: More stringent criteria for the BMS, which monitors and controls the battery’s charging, discharging, and overall health, to prevent malfunctions.
- Resistance to Electrical Short Circuits: New provisions likely address measures to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with electrical short circuits within the battery system.
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Robust Driving System Safety: Beyond the battery, the safety of the entire electric powertrain is paramount. The new standards are expected to cover:
- Motor and Inverter Safety: Regulations concerning the reliability and safety of electric motors and inverters, which convert DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Ensuring that NEVs do not interfere with or are not interfered with by other electronic devices, a growing concern in increasingly connected vehicles.
- High-Voltage System Protection: Stricter requirements for insulation and protection of high-voltage cables and components to prevent electrical hazards.
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Overall Vehicle Safety and Performance: The new standards are also likely to encompass broader safety aspects, aligning with or exceeding international benchmarks. This could include:
- Vehicle Dynamics and Stability: Ensuring that NEVs maintain stability under various driving conditions.
- Braking Performance: Maintaining or improving braking capabilities, especially considering the regenerative braking systems in EVs.
- Occupant Protection: Continuing to uphold and potentially enhance safety measures for passengers in the event of a crash.
Why This Matters:
China’s proactive approach to NEV safety is a strategic move for several reasons:
- Consumer Trust: As NEVs become more prevalent, public perception of their safety is crucial for widespread adoption. Addressing safety concerns directly will foster greater consumer confidence and encourage more people to switch to electric mobility.
- Industry Maturity: The NEV industry in China has experienced rapid growth, but as it matures, a focus on quality and safety becomes essential for long-term sustainability and reputation.
- Global Leadership: China’s leadership in the NEV market means its standards can influence global automotive safety practices. By setting a high bar, China can contribute to a safer electric vehicle ecosystem worldwide.
- Technological Advancement: The push for stricter standards often drives innovation, encouraging manufacturers to develop more advanced and safer technologies for batteries, powertrains, and vehicle control systems.
Implications for Manufacturers:
Automakers operating in or exporting to China will need to ensure their NEV models comply with these updated regulations. This may necessitate:
- Research and Development Investments: Manufacturers will likely need to invest further in R&D to meet the new battery and powertrain safety requirements.
- Supply Chain Adjustments: Suppliers of battery components and electrical systems will also need to align their products with the enhanced standards.
- Testing and Certification: Obtaining certification under the new standards will be a crucial step for market entry and continued sales.
The announcement from JETRO underscores China’s dedication to not just promoting NEVs for environmental reasons, but also for ensuring they are safe and reliable for all users. This focus on safety is a positive step forward for the global automotive industry and for the future of sustainable transportation.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-09 02:50, ‘中国政府、新エネルギー車の安全性重視、新たな基準公示’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.