China has introduced a new, more rigorous EV battery safety standard, GB38031-2025, replacing the 2020 version. It becomes mandatory for new vehicles by July 1, 2026, and for existing ones by July 1, 2027, allowing a 12-month transition period.
Key Changes in the Standard:
- 2-Hour Containment: Batteries must not catch fire or explode for 120 minutes post-thermal event (up from 5 minutes).
- 5-Minute Early Warning: Alarms must trigger within 5 minutes of a thermal incident, without smoke reaching the cabin.
- Real-World Failure Testing: Includes steel ball drop tests and simulated internal shorts.
- Fast-Charging Stress Test: Batteries must remain safe after 300 ultra-fast charge cycles (20–80% SOC).
- Environmental Testing: Includes extended salt spray exposure and delayed combustion tests.
Industry Impact:
According to Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies (CEO, ACCURE), this is a “full reset” in safety, positioning China as a global leader in battery safety standards.
Winners:
- CATL, BYD: Already ahead in thermal management systems.
- Solid-state battery firms (QingTao, WeLion): Fire-resistant chemistries get a boost.
- Testing and certification labs: Demand surge expected.
Losers:
- Cost-constrained battery makers: Compliance could raise costs by 10–20%.
- Older NMC chemistries: May struggle to meet new benchmarks.
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