China introduces compulsory EV safety standards

China's ministry of industry and information technology has released compulsory safety standards for electric vehicles (EV), electric buses and EV power batteries. The standards will take effect on 1 January 2021.

The safety standards for EVs aim to raise electrical and functional safety, as well as the requirements for thermal alarm signals in battery systems that provide safety warnings for drivers and passengers. The standards also strengthen the waterproof quality, insulation resistance and monitoring requirements to reduce safety risks amid high voltage usage.

The safety requirements for electric buses include stricter safety requirements on collision in the battery compartment, charging system, vehicle waterproof test conditions and requirements to improve fire prevention.

The safety standards for power batteries ensure that the battery system does not catch fire or explode within five minutes after the thermal runaway of the battery unit occurs, allowing enough time for passengers to get away.

China's NEV production and sales increased in April from March, as the Covid-19 outbreak eased in China and the government took measures to boost sales.

China produced 80,000 NEVs in April, up by 60pc from March, but down by 22.1pc from April 2019. Sales increased by 35.8pc from March, but declined by 26.5pc from a year earlier to 72,000 NEVs, according to data from China's automotive manufacturers association.