Recently, the highly anticipated “Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Batteries Used in Electric Bicycles” (GB 43854-2024) has been officially released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of China) as a mandatory national standard, and will be fully implemented from November 1, 2024.
Product scope
The scope of this new regulation clearly targets lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles with a maximum output voltage not exceeding 60V, as specified in the “Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycles” (GB 17761). Batteries used in other types of vehicles such as electric scooters and balance cars are not included.
Background of the new regulation
With the rapid increase in the popularity of electric bicycles in China, this means of transportation become deeply rooted in thousands of households and become an important choice for daily travel. According to statistics, the social stock of electric bicycles in China has exceeded 350 million units, with annual production reaching tens of millions. Among them, lithium-ion batteries, due to their high performance and long life, have gradually become the darlings of the electric bicycle market.
The release of the new regulation signifies a comprehensive upgrade in the safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles. As a mandatory national standard, according to Article 25 of the “Standardization Law of the People’s Republic of China,” “Products or services that do not meet mandatory standards shall not be produced, sold, imported, or provided.” This not only demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety but also provides strong protection for the healthy development of the entire electric bicycle industry.
Key testing items
In terms of test items, the new regulation sets detailed safety requirements and test methods for both individual cells and battery packs. Individual cells must undergo rigorous tests such as overcharge, over-discharge, external short circuit, thermal abuse, and needle penetration; battery packs must meet requirements in electrical safety, mechanical safety, environmental safety, and thermal diffusion.
It is worth noting that the new standard also emphasizes the requirements for interoperable coordinated charging functions, real-time data collection, and the use of flame-retardant materials for battery packs. The following are key test items to focus on:
- Overcharge (1.5 times) test and needle penetration test for individual cells can effectively screen for battery safety.
- Battery packs should have a unique code, and the code identification needs to be made of high-temperature (950°C) resistant material, allowing for traceability even in the event of a fire.
- Overcharge, external short circuit, and over-discharge tests for battery packs must be conducted under both normal operating conditions and single fault conditions of protective components, so battery packs may need dual protection design to meet the requirements.
- Battery packs need to have interoperable coordinated charging functions to reduce the risks associated with mismatched charging devices.
- During charging and discharging, battery packs should collect real-time data on battery voltage, pack voltage/temperature/current, which requires a management system (intelligent “brain”) for real-time monitoring.
- Manufacturers should clearly mark the “safe service life” on the battery packs to remind users to replace old batteries in a timely manner, as the safety risks of lithium-ion batteries increase with their service life.
- The outer shell, printed circuit board, and wires of the battery pack should use flame-retardant materials to reduce the spread rate of flames in the event of a fire.
- The thermal diffusion test requires that when a single cell in the battery pack catches fire, it must not quickly spread to the entire battery pack.
About us
As a leading testing and certification services provider of battery and personal light electric vehicle, GTG Group energy storage division equipped with advanced testing equipment and a professional technical team, capable of providing comprehensive testing services for lithium-ion batteries used in electric bicycles. We are committed to providing you with accurate and reliable test results, ensuring the safety, reliability, and durability of your electric bicycle batteries. That’s what we’ve always promised – make your traveling safer and more secure! Interested in learning more? Please fill out our short form, our expert will be glad to assist further.