Cars in China: from 2027 OEMs will have to monitor the 'health status' of electrics and hybrids

The Chinese Ministry of Industry (MIIT) yesterday published new binding requirements for the approval of manufacturers and models of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The main new requirement obliges all automakers to establish proprietary platforms for real-time safety monitoring of electric vehicles sold, with the aim of preventing accidents and collecting data for continuous improvement. The new regulations, which will officially come into force in 2027, require companies to constantly track the 'health' of critical car parameters such as battery temperature, cell voltage and the integrity of the electronic management system (BMS). The data collected will have to be used not only for preventive care, but also as statistical support for regulators.

This measure is part of a broader regulatory framework that will see China implement national standard GB38031-2025 from July 2026, which includes new safety rules. The new standard will require that battery packs must never catch fire or explode, removing the previous requirement that gave 'five minutes' notice for passengers to evacuate the car in the event of a 'thermal runaway'. Also introduced are 'bottom crash' tests to simulate stones or road obstacles and short-circuit tests after 300 ultra-fast charging cycles. The tightening of controls aims to consolidate consumer confidence in a market with more than 16 million units sold in 2025 and ensure that the rapid expansion of Chinese brands into global markets, including Europe, is underpinned by high safety standards.