China will implement a revised national safety standard for electric vehicle (EV) power batteries starting July 1, 2026, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The updated regulation, officially titled "Safety Requirements for Power Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles (GB38031-2025)," introduces several key changes aimed at enhancing battery safety and performance.

Key revisions include stricter thermal diffusion testing protocols, with clearer specifications on temperature thresholds, observation durations, and vehicle testing conditions. A new bottom impact test has been added to evaluate the battery's structural integrity against impact at its base.

Additionally, a new safety requirement mandates external short-circuit testing after 300 fast charging cycles. To pass, the battery must not exhibit fire or explosion during the test.

The updated standard explicitly applies to power batteries used for vehicle propulsion and excludes auxiliary or non-propulsion batteries.