Government Takes Steps to Address Fire and Explosion Risks
China is taking significant steps to ensure the safety of its electric vehicle market, with the release of updated technical regulations for electric and plug-in hybrid batteries. The new rules, set to take effect in July 2026, will require automakers to meet stricter safety tests designed to prevent fires caused by thermal runaway — a rapid increase in battery temperature that can lead to combustion or explosions.
Key Requirements of the New Regulations
- Tougher impact and fast-charging tolerance tests
- At least a five-minute warning before potential fires
- Enhanced safety features to prevent thermal runaway
The move comes as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, collectively known as new energy vehicles (NEVs), now account for more than half of monthly new car sales in China. This figure far outpaces Beijing’s earlier targets — set in 2015 and revised in 2020 — for NEVs to reach 20% of total sales by 2025 and more than 50% by 2035.
According to a June 2024 report by CCTV, EVs are statistically less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered vehicles, but concerns persist. Social media in China frequently amplifies reports of NEV-related fires, many of which are unverified. A recent deadly accident involving a Xiaomi sedan has reignited debate over EV safety, highlighting the need for greater scrutiny of smart-driving technologies.
Chinese state media have called on automakers to avoid overstating the capabilities of their semi-autonomous systems and prioritize user safety. The newly released standards are part of a broader push to ensure the safety of NEVs as the industry continues to expand rapidly, buoyed by over a decade of strong government support.
Addressing Concerns Over EV Safety
The release of the new regulations has been welcomed by many in the industry, who see it as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of electric vehicles. The standards will require automakers to implement enhanced safety features, such as thermal runaway protection, to prevent fires caused by battery malfunctions.
The move is also seen as a response to growing concerns over the reliability and safety of NEVs. The recent accident involving a Xiaomi sedan has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of smart-driving technologies, which have been criticized for their potential to exacerbate safety risks.
China’s Growing EV Market
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, collectively known as new energy vehicles (NEVs), now account for more than half of monthly new car sales in China. The report found that NEV-related fires are often unverified, and that social media plays a significant role in amplifying reports of such incidents.
| Year | BEV Sales Target |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 20% of total sales |
| 2020 | 20% of total sales |
| 2025 | 50% of total sales |
| 2035 | 50% of total sales |
The growth of the EV market in China has been rapid, with over a decade of strong government support. The government has implemented various incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including subsidies for EV purchases and investments in charging infrastructure.
Government Support for the EV Industry
The government’s support for the EV industry has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. The government has implemented various policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including subsidies for EV purchases, investments in charging infrastructure, and incentives for automakers to develop EVs.
These policies have helped to drive down the cost of EVs, making them more affordable for consumers. The government has also invested heavily in charging infrastructure, with the goal of creating a comprehensive network of charging stations across the country.
Future of the EV Industry in China
The future of the EV industry in China looks promising, with the government’s continued support and the growing demand for electric vehicles. The industry is expected to continue to grow rapidly, driven by the government’s policies and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by consumers.
The new battery safety standards will help to ensure the continued growth of the EV industry in China, by reducing the risk of fires and explosions caused by thermal runaway. The standards will also help to build trust in the industry, by demonstrating a commitment to safety and reliability.
The growth of the EV market in China has been driven by a combination of government support and consumer demand. The industry is expected to continue to grow rapidly, driven by the government’s policies and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by consumers. The new battery safety standards will help to ensure the continued growth of the EV industry in China, by reducing the risk of fires and explosions caused by thermal runaway.
Conclusion
The new battery safety standards for electric vehicles in China are a significant step towards ensuring the safety of the industry. The recent accident involving a Xiaomi sedan has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of smart-driving technologies, which have been criticized for their potential to exacerbate safety risks.
The growth of the EV market in China has been driven by a combination of government support and consumer demand.