Zero tolerance for EV fire or explosions: China sets mandatory rules

China has implemented a comprehensive upgrade to its national regulatory framework, introducing mandatory safety standards for electric-vehicle (EV) power batteries for the first time. Central to this initiative is the “no fire, no explosion” requirement, which sets strict technical thresholds to prevent battery fires or explosions in EVs. These new regulations are part of a broader Action Plan to Promote Equipment Renewal and Consumer Goods Trade-In Through Standards, aiming to modernize industry and enhance consumer safety. The updated EV battery safety standard, GB 38031-2025, will take effect on July 1, 2026, with all new vehicle type approvals required to comply by that date, while existing vehicles have a transition period until July 1, 2027. Beyond EVs, China’s regulatory overhaul includes 113 national standards targeting energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and the phasing out of outdated industrial capacity across sectors such as coal power, steel, and building materials. Stricter efficiency requirements have been imposed on industrial