Starting July 1st, the new mandatory national standard for electric vehicle power batteries, titled "Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles" (GB 38031-2025), has officially come into effect. This standard elevates the safety requirements from "providing a five-minute warning for escape" to the more stringent "no fire, no explosion." Given the varied marketing claims in the market, consumers are advised to perform the following three checks during the car purchase process.

First: Secure Written Contractual Confirmation When Ordering

When signing the purchase agreement, it is recommended to explicitly state in the supplementary clauses: "The power battery of this vehicle complies with the GB 38031-2025 standard." If the dealership states that standard form contracts cannot be modified, buyers can request an official "Vehicle Compliance Confirmation Letter" bearing the company's seal, specifying the corresponding Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This document will serve as crucial evidence for any future consumer rights claims.

Second: Verify Certificate Information Upon Vehicle Delivery

Upon taking delivery of the vehicle, carefully inspect the "Motor Vehicle Whole Vehicle Factory Conformity Certificate" or the "Vehicle Conformity Certificate." Confirm that the "Applicable Standards" section is clearly marked with "GB 38031-2025." This marking is the legal proof that the vehicle meets the new national standard. This information can be cross-referenced with the production date found on the vehicle's B-pillar or engine compartment nameplate for comprehensive verification.

Third: Use Official Channels to Verify Any Battery Compliance Concerns

If there is any doubt regarding a specific vehicle model's compliance, consumers can verify through the following official channels: Log into the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's "Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturer and Product Information Inquiry System" and search for the model's announcement details using its model code. Alternatively, contact the brand's official customer service hotline, providing the model and production batch for confirmation.

Following the implementation of the new standard, older vehicle models that previously received type approval are granted a one-year transition period (until June 30, 2027). Therefore, a vehicle produced "after July" does not automatically equate to "automatic compliance with the new national standard." Consumers are advised to base their decisions on the compliance information stated on the official certificates for a rational purchase choice.