With the introduction of the world’s strictest safety standards for electric vehicle batteries, China is setting a precedent for greater safety on the roads. Starting from mid-2026, batteries must neither catch fire nor explode. The world’s largest battery manufacturer, CATL, is the first company to meet the latest Chinese safety standard.
What exactly has China introduced? On March 28, 2025, the Chinese government presented the new national safety standard GB 38031-2025 (via COC), which will come into effect on July 1, 2026.
This standard requires that electric vehicle batteries must not explode or catch fire even in the event of so-called “thermal runaway” (simply put: overheating). Furthermore, they must be designed so that any smoke produced poses no danger to the passengers.
According to a report from CarNewsChina, the new standard is clearly distinct from the previous regulations. Previously, it was sufficient for the system to warn in a timely manner – now, absolute safety is essentially demanded, even in extreme cases.
Safety Test for Extreme Cases
How should the standard be adhered to? The new Chinese safety standard GB 38031-2025 demands a significantly higher level of safety. At its core, it is about ensuring that neither fire nor explosions can occur even in the event of serious malfunctions or accidents – something that no other market has required to this extent (via CarNewsChina).
To meet this requirement, batteries must undergo a series of tests. The complete listing can be read directly in the draft law – validation is still pending (via COC). Two of these are particularly critical:
- Bottom Impact Test
According to JVTech, this test simulates an impact on the battery from below – a realistic scenario on the road, for instance, from debris kicked up, curb contact, or running over objects. The test examines whether the battery is mechanically protected to the extent that no fire occurs, no gases escape, and no thermal runaway is triggered – hence avoiding the dangerous domino effect that can lead to battery fires. - Fast Charge Cycle Test followed by Short Circuit Test
A battery must undergo at least 300 fast charge cycles in a second test – equivalent to about one to two years of intensive everyday use. After this, the battery is subjected to a deliberate short circuit. Here, too, the critical point is: even after this strain, there must not be any ignition or explosion.
According to Green Car Congress, this ensures that the battery remains safe even in its aged state.
Both tests thus go far beyond previous international safety requirements. Until now, the standard primarily focused on timely warnings, such as through heat or pressure sensors.
How has CATL met the new standard? As electrive reports, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) has been certified as the first company in the world to meet the new “No Fire, No Explosion” standard. However, not the entire product range meets this standard, but specifically the new Qilin battery.
The tests were reportedly conducted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC).
With GB 38031-2025, China has ushered in a new era of battery safety. This is at least the initial assessment from industry observers.
The fact that a manufacturer like CATL is already meeting the standard today underscores the tremendous pace at which Chinese developers are setting international benchmarks and standards. China is, in every respect, a decisive factor in the electric mobility market, including in relation to Tesla: Tesla had a secret to stay years ahead of the rest of the industry – and China is once again crucial.
