China Proposes EV Acceleration Limits to Combat Rising High-Speed Accidents

China is considering new national standards to limit the acceleration of electric vehicles (EVs) upon startup. This proposed regulation aims to address a recent increase in EV-related accidents, particularly those involving rapid acceleration. The Ministry of Public Security released a draft regulation that would mandate a minimum 0-100 km/h acceleration time of five seconds for all passenger EVs and plug-in hybrids.

Key Takeaways

• China is exploring national standards to limit EV acceleration.

• The proposal aims to reduce accidents caused by sudden torque and driver inexperience.

• All passenger EVs and plug-in hybrids would be affected.

• Drivers would need to actively engage performance modes.

• Public feedback is open until January 10, 2026.

New Regulation Targets Default Performance Limits

The draft regulation, released by the Ministry of Public Security on November 10, proposes that all passenger vehicles, including pure EVs and plug-in hybrids, would default to a state where accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes no less than five seconds. This measure is intended to prevent unintended acceleration, which can be triggered by driver inexperience or the immediate torque delivery characteristic of electric powertrains.

The public has until January 10, 2026, to submit feedback on the proposed rule before it is finalized. Authorities have stated that this change is a response to growing safety concerns stemming from the proliferation of high-powered electric cars.

A Rise in Accidents

China's EV market has seen a surge in high-performance models, with some capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds. This level of performance, once exclusive to supercars, is now available in more affordable EVs, such as the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. However, this rapid acceleration has been linked to an increase in accidents. Reports indicate a rise in incidents where drivers lose control of vehicles with such potent acceleration capabilities.

Authorities attribute part of this issue to drivers being unprepared for the power of their vehicles. For context, typical driving school cars in China accelerate to 100 km/h in over five seconds, a benchmark also common for combustion-powered cars. The new regulation would require drivers to deliberately activate performance modes, ensuring they are aware and ready for the vehicle's full power before engaging in rapid acceleration.