China could impose EV performance limit
Sprint times for electrified vehicles could be partially restricted as new regulations are proposed overseasThe News
Electrified vehicles with supercar-like acceleration could soon have their performance hampered in China, with regulators eyeing a five-second 0-100km/h limit on electrified vehicles, following safety concerns.
The Key Details
- China’s Ministry of Public Security proposes five-second 0-100km/h limit on EVs and PHEVs
- Draft regulation states passenger vehicles must default to a setting where 0-100km/h acceleration takes no less than five seconds
- Sub five-second cars could require special parameters before driver can unlock full performance
The Finer Details
Safety is said to be at the forefront of China’s latest vehicle-related regulatory update, which is targeted at electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), according to CarNewsChina.
The move would mean cars like the BYD Seal Performance – which proudly wears its 3.8-second 0-100km/h sprint time on the boot lid – could effectively be slowed down.
Not to mention EVs like the YangWang U9 Xtreme, with its Bugatti-rivalling 2.36-second 0-100km/h sprint time.
According to the outlet, the draft regulations state that affected vehicles must be equipped with pedal misapplication suppression technology that can detect and restrict power output when the vehicle is stationary or crawling, providing clear audio-visual warnings to prevent unintended acceleration.
Drivers are said to be able to bypass the five-second restriction and still achieve the vehicle’s claimed acceleration time (even if it’s under five seconds) – but safety parameters will ensure it can’t happen by accident.
It also states that EVs and PHEVs must be able to cut off power circuits in specific situations automatically, including when the vehicle’s speed changes by 25km/h or more within 150 milliseconds in either longitudinal or lateral directions, or when the airbags are deployed.
The draft regulations detail proposed changes for a host of other vehicle systems, including high-voltage batteries, powered windows, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The Road Ahead
Several high-profile crashes involving electrified vehicles in China have prompted the crack down on vehicle safety, with the draft regulations now open for public feedback.
This comes after a similar proposal to ban flush and retractable door handles in China, with the Australian Government since committing to improved car door safety standards, as carsales exclusively reported in September.
Related: Exclusive: Australian government commits to improved car door safety standards
Related: 496km/h YangWang U9 Xtreme EV is the world's fastest car
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Related: BYD Seal Performance 2024 Review
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