GB18384-2025
Electric vehicles safety requirements
电动汽车安全要求
GB 18384-2025 is an upcoming mandatory Chinese national standard for Electric vehicles safety requirements. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Jul 1, 2026.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for electric vehicles (EVs) operating with a maximum working voltage of B-level voltage (DC >60V and ≤1500V, AC >30V and ≤1000V). It is applicable to M and N category vehicles, excluding those continuously connected to the grid during driving. This standard is mandatory for all new EV type approvals and import vehicle inspections in China.
Technical requirements
The standard comprehensively regulates the electrical and operational safety of electric vehicles. It mandates strict personnel electric shock protection, encompassing high-voltage warning marks, direct and indirect contact protection, and specific waterproof performance criteria for B-level voltage components. Manufacturers must ensure proper insulation resistance and potential equalization to prevent electrical hazards. A major addition is the vehicle bottom protection requirement, designed to safeguard the REESS (Rechargeable Electrical Energy Storage System) from road debris impacts. The standard also defines safety function protection rules, requiring specific drive power on/off sequences, braking priority, and clear thermal event alarms. Vehicles must prevent unintended movement when connected to external power sources. Furthermore, the standard integrates requirements for power batteries, crash protection, and fire resistance by referencing core national standards like GB 38031 and GB 11551. It also enforces strict guidelines for charging interfaces, Event Data Recorder (EDR) systems, and electromagnetic compatibility. Compliance with these multi-tiered safety systems is essential for homologation.
Testing methods
The standard outlines specific testing procedures to verify compliance. Key tests include insulation resistance measurement for both active and passive B-level voltage circuits, and insulation monitoring function verification using adjustable resistors. These tests ensure the vehicle can accurately alert drivers to insulation degradation. Physical safety is evaluated through an IP code verification for barriers and enclosures, a pressure resistance test applying 10kPa load, and a bottom impact test where a spherical barrier strikes the vehicle's underbody at 35km/h. Additionally, it mandates a simulated washing test and a vehicle wading test to confirm electrical safety post-exposure to water. Manufacturers must provide detailed component documentation and third-party test reports for full validation.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 18384-2025?
The standard applies to electric vehicles with a maximum working voltage of B-level voltage (DC >60V and ≤1500V, or AC >30V and ≤1000V). It does not apply to road vehicles that remain continuously connected to the power grid during operation.
Are there any major updates in GB 18384-2025 compared to the 2020 version?
The 2025 version introduces several major updates, including new requirements for vehicle bottom protection, user manual specifications, and steady-state contact current testing. It also updates requirements for high-voltage warning marks, insulation monitoring, and waterproof performance testing. Manufacturers must transition to these updated requirements to maintain compliance.
How does GB 18384-2025 differ from international EV safety standards?
The standard extensively references international guidelines such as UN GTR No. 20, UN R100, and ISO 6469-3, aligning China's EV safety framework with global standards. However, it incorporates specific domestic testing experiences and application scenarios, meaning manufacturers must still verify compliance specifically against the GB standard for market access.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18384-2025. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 18384-2025 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- T47
- ICS
- 43.120
- Competent department
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Automobiles of Standardization Administration of China
Relationships
Replaces:GB 18384-2020 (Current)