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Unprecedented regulation reinforces commitment to safety and pressures manufacturers to adopt more resistant technologies. China wants to end electric vehicle battery fires
China has adopted a new national safety standard for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The move, announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stipulates that even in cases of internal overheating, batteries must prevent fires and explosions. Manufacturers will have until July 1, 2026 to comply with the new standard.
Persistent fear, but data contradicts
Despite statistics showing that electric cars catch fire less often than combustion vehicles, the fear persists.
This is because when it does occur, the fire usually starts in the lithium-ion battery, a highly flammable component.
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The problem is aggravated because, when overheating, the battery cell releases flammable electrolyte.
The fire is self-sustaining, as the chemical reaction also generates oxygen. Therefore, putting out a fire of this type is extremely difficult.
Even water doesn’t solve electric vehicle battery fires
Water or other flame retardants are not enough to put out the flames. Even when submerged, a lithium-ion battery can continue to burn.
The most effective method of containing this type of fire is to cool the battery pack. This prevents heat from spreading to other cells.
Large amounts of water or special tanks are used not to put out the fire, but to contain overheating.
The fire only stops when all the flammable components of the burning cell are consumed, without affecting the neighboring cells. This shows that the key to preventing fires is to thermally insulate the cells.
Central change in the new rule
The new Chinese standard is based on this very principle. The main new feature is the requirement that batteries resist thermal propagation.
Previously, regulations only required the system to alert the driver five minutes before a possible explosion or fire.
Now, manufacturers will have to prove that their batteries do not catch fire, even in the event of internal overheating.
Furthermore, it will be necessary to ensure that the gases released in this type of event are not harmful to those inside the vehicle.
More rigorous testing
The standard also imposes new practical tests. One of them is the impact test on the bottom of the battery, simulating collisions in which the bottom of the vehiclelo is reached. Another evaluates the performance of batteries in fast recharge cycles.
In this second case, the battery must undergo 300 fast recharge cycles. It will then be subjected to a short-circuit test. The battery will only be approved if it does not explode or catch fire during this process.
These tests aim to ensure that the batteries do not pose risks even in extreme situations, such as collisions or failures in the charging system. The intention is to increase the safety of the car's occupants in the event of an accident.
Deadly fire and impact on industry
The new requirement appears to have been prompted by a recent accident, in which a Xiaomi SU7 crashed into a barrier on a highway and caught fire.
Three college students died at the scene. The incident has reignited debate about the risks of fires in EVs and the protection offered by batteries.
In addition to the safety issue, the new standard is expected to bring about changes in Chinese industry. The cost of research, development and manufacturing of batteries is likely to increase. This could lead to industry consolidation, with smaller companies being forced to merge or leave the market.
Technology already in use
Manufacturer CATL praised the new regulation and stated that it already has compatible technologies. According to the company, the first generation of its technology “No Thermal Propagation” (no thermal propagation) is present in batteries produced since 2020.
With the new standard coming into effect, the expectation is that electric vehicles in China will become even safer.
The requirement for thermal propagation containment represents an important milestone in the evolution of battery protection systems.
With information carnewschina.
