Beijing continues to lead with a new strict mandate on EV battery safety

China mandates strict EV battery safety, banning fires from 2026.

: China is setting some of the world's toughest safety standards for EV batteries, effective July 1, 2026, requiring no fires or explosions after thermal propagation. Critics argue these standards are unrealistic, but CATL, a major battery supplier, claims technology from 2020 already meets these standards. New regulations include bottom impact and fast-charging cycle safety testing, addressing both vehicle collisions and battery charging concerns. China's EV industry, led by companies like BYD, benefits from strict government policies that help firms compete globally.

In a bid to enhance electric vehicle safety, China has announced stringent new requirements for EV battery safety, set to take effect on July 1, 2026. These standards, known as the “Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles,” forbid any fires or explosions even after thermal propagation, a process where an increase in temperature spreads uncontrollably from one battery cell to another. This proactive measure is in response to the rare but significant occurrences of electric car battery fires, especially following collisions. Major battery manufacturers may experience increased costs, although CATL, a leading Chinese battery supplier, claims its 'No Thermal Propagation (NP)' technology from 2020 already complies with these demands.

Critics have expressed skepticism concerning the feasibility of achieving zero incidents under the new regulations, stating that the previous mandate - where vehicles provided warnings to passengers minutes before possible fire events - was already challenging. Traditional and electric vehicles exhibit similar probabilities of fire, but electric vehicle fires are notorious for requiring substantial resources to extinguish due to the phenomenon called thermal runaway. CATL, which supplies batteries to Tesla’s Shanghai plant, asserts that the new standard will dramatically reduce the risk of power battery fires after incidents, safeguarding consumers more effectively.

The new regulations will include several tests such as bottom impact assessments to evaluate battery protection during undercarriage collisions. There will also be a fast-charging cycle safety evaluation requiring batteries to endure 300 fast-charging cycles without incident. This step aligns with China's previous announcement of stringent requirements for autonomous driving systems following a deadly Xiaomi SU7 crash. As automakers are prohibited from using terms like “autonomous” in their vehicle marketing, further safety measures are anticipated in China’s ongoing pursuit to lead in the EV sector.

China’s commitment to fostering strong national brands, like BYD and Xiaomi, has allowed these companies to market competitively priced vehicles that rival those of Western manufacturers such as Tesla. Although some critics claim that China's state backing provides unfair advantages through the availability of cheaper materials, companies like BYD have managed global expansion while maintaining profitability. The nation’s singular focus on establishing a leading position in the EV industry showcases benefits seen in its top-down governance approach.

With the growing incidence of electric vehicles on the roads, these mandates are seen as a natural and likely necessary progression within the industry. Discussions among firefighters on platforms such as Reddit highlight ongoing challenges associated with extinguishing EV fires, supporting China's decision to champion strict safety standards. By doing so, the country continues to advance its position as a leader in the global EV market. This strategic push reflects a broader aspiration to prioritize consumer safety and industry-leading technology developments.

Sources: CarNewsChina, Reddit, Thomas Maxwell.

Regulations