Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to comply with China’s newly updated national battery safety standard, well ahead of its implementation in 2026.
The new regulation, officially titled GB 38031-2025 Safety Requirements for Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles, was announced on 28 March 2025 and will come into effect on 1 July 2026. This updated standard introduces more rigorous safety protocols, particularly addressing thermal runaway incidents, a major safety concern in electric vehicles (EVs).
Unlike the earlier version, which primarily mandated the issuance of warning signals prior to battery failure, the revised regulation stipulates that batteries must not catch fire or explode even if a thermal runaway occurs. Additionally, any smoke released during such incidents must not cause harm to vehicle occupants.
CATL confirmed that its latest generation Qilin battery, built on the third iteration of its CTP (cell-to-pack) platform, has successfully passed all the necessary certification tests outlined under GB 38031-2025. The tests, conducted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Centre (CATARC), evaluated both battery cells and packs. These trials included bottom impact tests and the ability to endure 300 rapid charging cycles without combustion or explosion in subsequent short-circuit scenarios.
The Qilin battery, originally launched in June 2022, has been designed with a load-bearing structure that improves its stability and resistance to thermal propagation. It features a volume utilisation rate of 72 per cent and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. These attributes are aimed at enhancing both performance and safety.
The CATARC, a prominent institution overseeing vehicle safety assessments in China—including the administration of the China New Car Assessment Programme (C-NCAP)—provided the official test report. The report was presented during a formal awarding ceremony attended by senior representatives from CATL’s Test and Verification Centre and the Energy System Department of CATARC.
CATL stated that the successful certification underlines its continuing commitment to advancing battery safety through technological innovation. The company emphasised that it will persist in improving aspects such as thermal diffusion resistance, structural integrity, and safety during high-speed charging.
The announcement comes amid rising global focus on EV safety, particularly concerning battery reliability. CATL’s early compliance places it in a dominant position within the EV battery market, offering a critical advantage to automakers looking to assure consumers and regulators of vehicle safety.
As of February 2025, more than 18 million vehicles worldwide were reported to be using CATL-produced batteries, reflecting the company’s expansive reach and influence across the electric mobility sector.
The early approval of its Qilin battery under China’s most stringent battery safety regulation reinforces CATL’s leadership and sets a new benchmark for competitors within the global EV supply chain.
