Policy & standards
China’s updated EV traction-battery safety standard takes effect
GB 38031-2025 became effective on 1 July 2026 and addresses cells, battery packs and systems used in electric vehicles.
Dates and scope
China’s National Public Service Platform for Standards records GB 38031-2025 as published on 28 March 2025 and effective from 1 July 2026, fully replacing GB 38031-2020.
The official overview distinguishes battery cells from packs and systems, including tests such as safety after fast-charge cycling, crush and thermal propagation. The full standard and the relevant test object govern the applicable requirements.
Implications for materials
End-product safety depends on chemistry, structure, thermal management and manufacturing consistency. Anode binder development should therefore be discussed alongside electrode design, process conditions and cell testing.
Material-level adhesion, slurry stability or a single test result can support development, but cannot by itself establish compliance of a cell or battery system.
What to follow
Project discussions benefit from specifying the test object, standard edition, sample structure and charge–discharge protocol so material and end-product evaluations use consistent boundaries.