China Enforces World's Strictest EV Battery Safety Standards, Prohibiting Fires and Explosions by 2026

Beijing strengthens its lead in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of stringent new battery safety standards. Effective July 1, 2026, the "Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles" will mandate that EV batteries prevent fires and explosions, even in the event of thermal propagation—a phenomenon where an uncontrolled temperature increase spreads from one battery cell to another. Critics argue that this new regulation may set an unrealistic bar, as electric car fires, though rare, are nearly impossible to eliminate entirely. China previously required vehicles to issue a five-minute warning before a potential fire or explosion, but the new rules demand absolute prevention. Leading Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) asserts that it has already developed a solution. In 2020, CATL introduced its "No Thermal Propagation (NP)" battery technology, which it claims meets the new safety standards. "The new standard will effectively reduce the risk of power battery fires after collisions in new energy vehicles, better protecting consumers' lives," CATL told CarNewsChina. As a major supplier to Tesla’s Shanghai plant, CATL’s technology advancements could have far-reaching implications for the global EV industry. These new safety regulations are part of a broader trend toward increased scrutiny in the EV sector. Just recently, China announced stringent testing requirements for autonomous driving systems, following a deadly crash involving a Xiaomi SU7, which was reportedly operating in driver assistance mode. In response, automakers in China are now barred from using terms like "autonomous" or "smart driving" in their marketing materials. Some observers expected a more gradual approach to enhancing thermal runway requirements, suggesting that a 10- to 15-minute warning system might be more practical. However, the risk of a manageable fire turning into a catastrophic explosion due to a single cell failure highlights the need for such stringent measures. Research indicates that EVs are no more prone to catching fire than traditional combustion engine vehicles. Advanced battery packs now integrate thermal sensors to detect overheating and use cooling systems, like liquid nitrogen, to protect neighboring cells. Nevertheless, when an electric car does catch fire, particularly after a collision, the batteries can experience thermal runaway. This condition, characterized by escalating temperatures, can be exceptionally challenging for firefighters to extinguish and often requires immense amounts of water. China has rapidly emerged as a leader in the EV market, with brands like BYD and Xiaomi offering cars at highly competitive prices and featuring advanced technologies like self-driving systems and ultra-fast charging batteries. Critics argue that China’s success is partly due to government subsidies for materials such as rare earth metals. Despite these claims, companies like BYD have successfully expanded into global markets and are turning a profit. China's unique market structure, often described as less open than those in the Western world, has allowed the country to champion its national brands aggressively. For instance, BYD has become the frontrunner in the Chinese EV industry. One advantage of China’s one-party system is its ability to make decisive and coordinated efforts in prioritizing specific sectors. Once the government decides to focus on a particular area, such as EVs, it mobilizes resources and policies effectively. This approach has enabled China to surpass players like Tesla in the EV market, driving innovation and setting high standards for safety and performance. As these regulations come into effect, they could further巩固 Chinese companies在EV市场中的领导地位, fostering greater consumer confidence and potentially impacting the global landscape of electric vehicles.