GB38031-2025 Battery Safety Standard: Complete Upgrade Guide (2025)
26,Sep 2025
With the rapid growth of new energy vehicles and energy-storage systems, battery safety has become a top priority. GB38031-2025, the updated Chinese national standard for electric vehicle power batteries, imposes stricter requirements on battery systems and management. This guide explains the background, key clauses, and compliance strategies to help companies adapt to the new standard.
GB38031-2025 is the latest revision of the “Safety Requirements for Traction Battery Systems of Electric Vehicles” (GB38031-2020). It significantly strengthens safety, reliability and intelligence requirements for:
Battery systems of pure electric vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery systems
High-voltage storage systems in fuel-cell vehicles
Some clauses also apply to stationary energy-storage batteries
Its release marks a new stage in China’s power-battery safety management.
The new standard requires that in the event of thermal runaway, the passenger compartment must remain safe for a longer period (at least five minutes), giving occupants and rescue teams more time. This raises the bar for module design, heat dissipation channels and fire barriers.
GB38031-2025 specifies that BMS must provide comprehensive functions: real-time monitoring of voltage, current, temperature, SOC/SOH; fault diagnosis and alerts; and remote communication with vehicle controllers or cloud systems. Smart solutions such as Kurui Smart BMS will play a vital role in compliance.
The standard introduces mandatory safety requirements for fast-charging and high-power discharge conditions, and higher standards for insulation, waterproofing and dustproofing (IP ratings), especially critical for buses, logistics vehicles and large energy-storage systems.
It introduces more scientific test methods—such as nail penetration, crush, overcharge/over-discharge, and high/low-temperature cycling—to ensure stability under extreme conditions.
Q: Why do I need to understand GB38031-2025?
A: Because non-compliance can lead to failed certifications, lost OEM contracts, recalls and legal risks. Early compliance enhances brand image and competitiveness.
Q: Does this standard affect exports?
A: Although GB38031-2025 is a Chinese national standard, its high safety level aligns with trends in the EU and US. Products meeting it gain credibility in international markets.
Deploy intelligent BMS meeting GB38031-2025 to monitor each cell’s voltage, current, temperature and SOC/SOH in real time, supporting CAN/RS485/Bluetooth protocols.
Integrate insulation, heat conduction, exhaust and fire-retardant measures in battery packs to extend thermal-runaway delay time and enhance safety.
Work closely with suppliers to select compliant cells, modules and thermal-management materials, reducing hidden risks.
Partner with accredited labs to run full-scope tests before the standard takes effect, identify problems and optimize products ahead of time.
| Item | GB38031-2020 | GB38031-2025 | EU E-Mark | US UL2580 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal runaway delay | ≥2 min | ≥5 min | ≥5 min | ≥5 min |
| BMS monitored parameters | Voltage/current | Voltage, current, temperature, SOC, SOH, remote diagnostics | Similar | Similar |
| Fast-charge safety | Not mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| IP protection rating | IPX5 | ≥IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
GB38031-2025 brings Chinese standards up to par with international benchmarks.
GB38031-2025 is more than a regulation—it is a milestone pushing the industry toward higher safety and intelligence. By proactively deploying smart BMS, improving thermal-management design and strengthening testing and certification, companies can not only comply but also enhance competitiveness and gain market recognition.
In the coming years, those who meet and innovate beyond GB38031-2025 will seize the initiative in the electric-vehicle and energy-storage sectors.