China is considering introducing new safety regulations that would restrict the default acceleration performance of passenger vehicles immediately after startup, aiming to reduce accidents linked to unintended operations amid the growing popularity of high-performance electric vehicles (EVs).
The proposal, outlined in the draft national standard “Technical Specifications for Safety of Power-Driven Vehicles Operating on Roads” released by the Ministry of Public Security on November 10, would require vehicles to default to a state where acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour takes more than five seconds each time the vehicle starts. Public feedback will be accepted until January 10, 2026, after which the measure could become a mandatory national standard.
See also: Xiaomi SU7 Electric Sedan Catches Fire in Fatal Crash in Chengdu
Compared with previous regulations, the draft introduces a new requirement that vehicles must automatically limit acceleration performance after each power-on or ignition cycle, excluding cases involving automatic engine start-stop systems. The explanatory note accompanying the draft stated that “uncontrolled acceleration incidents during startup have frequently occurred in pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, largely due to drivers’ insufficient preparation and control capabilities when using high-acceleration modes.”
Authorities said the intent is to require drivers to consciously perform an action—such as switching to a high-performance mode—before accessing full power. “This aims to prompt drivers to consciously engage specific actions when using high-acceleration modes, thereby enhancing driving preparedness,” the note added.
See also: Li Auto Clarifies Crash Test Video After Dispute with Chenglong Truck
Most driving school and gasoline-powered vehicles in China currently take over five seconds to reach 100 km/h, a performance level that both novice and experienced drivers are accustomed to. However, with the rapid expansion of China’s EV market, many models now exceed that standard significantly. Some domestic brands offer EVs capable of reaching 0–100 km/h in under two seconds, often at prices far below those of traditional supercars.
Authorities noted that this surge in high-performance EVs has coincided with a rise in loss-of-control incidents, several of which have gained widespread attention on social media. If implemented, the new regulation could make China one of the first major markets to set limits on default vehicle acceleration performance as a safety measure.
Source: CnEVPost