China’s Ministry of Public Security is drafting new vehicle safety standards that would effectively curb the blistering acceleration now common in many electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed rules require all new cars to take at least 5 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) every time they are started, a move aimed at reducing risks associated with dangerously quick acceleration.
The Rise of Hyper-Acceleration
Recent years have seen a surge in vehicles, particularly EVs, capable of hypercar-level acceleration at a fraction of the cost. Models like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra (1.98 seconds), Zeekr 001 FR (2.02s), Tesla Model S Plaid (2.1s), and BYD Yangwang U9 (2.36s) have demonstrated acceleration figures previously reserved for high-end supercars. This accessibility raises concerns about road safety, as such rapid acceleration can overwhelm drivers and increase the risk of accidents.
The new standard appears designed to address this by forcing manufacturers to either limit peak acceleration or implement a system that requires drivers to intentionally unlock full performance. The exact method remains unclear, but possibilities include menu settings, secret button combinations, or other forms of deliberate activation.
Broader Safety Measures
The draft standard goes beyond acceleration limits, addressing several other safety concerns. Notably, it mandates both mechanical and electronic door releases on all doors, hatches, and trunks. This ensures passengers can escape in emergencies, even if electronic systems fail.
Additional provisions include:
- Automatic Door Unlocks: Doors must unlock automatically in accidents or thermal battery incidents.
- Power Circuit Shutdowns: Power circuits must cut off during airbag deployment or sudden speed changes (over 25 km/h in under 150 milliseconds).
- Battery Safety: Batteries require pressure relief and monitoring systems to alert passengers to thermal events.
- ADAS Restrictions: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) will require biometric or online training verification before use. Autonomous operation above 10 km/h will demand constant driver engagement checks via hands-on detection and gaze monitoring.
Why This Matters
China’s move reflects a growing concern about the safety implications of increasingly powerful vehicles. While many drivers enjoy the thrill of rapid acceleration, regulators worry about the potential for misuse and accidents. By enforcing minimum acceleration times, the government aims to reduce the risk of reckless driving and ensure that drivers remain in control.
The standard also underscores the broader trend of stricter vehicle safety regulations worldwide. As technology advances, regulators are working to keep pace and ensure that new features don’t compromise public safety. China’s draft standard is likely to influence similar measures in other countries, as automakers seek to comply with global safety standards.
The final version of the standard will determine how manufacturers respond. Some may choose to limit peak acceleration permanently, while others may implement more complex systems that allow drivers to unlock full performance only when necessary. Regardless, the move signals a shift toward greater safety oversight in the automotive industry
