A recent online debate has sparked controversy in China, with many interpreting a draft vehicle safety standard as a potential ban on rapid acceleration in new-energy vehicles. However, the Ministry of Public Security has stepped in to clarify the situation, dispelling any misconceptions.
The Great Acceleration Debate: Unraveling China’s Vehicle Safety Standards
In a consultation draft of the updated national standard, “Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety,” a clause sparked widespread discussion. It stated that passenger vehicles, after each power-on or ignition, should default to a mode where acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes at least five seconds.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the ministry emphasizes that this rule applies only to the initial startup mode, not the vehicle’s overall performance capabilities. In other words, once drivers engage additional inputs or performance settings, faster acceleration times are still achievable.
The key term, “default startup,” refers to the vehicle’s initial operating state post-power-on. In this mode, the five-second acceleration rule applies, ensuring a controlled start. However, once drivers take control, the draft does not restrict their ability to achieve sub-five-second acceleration times.
And this is the part most people miss: the regulation is designed to address a specific issue – the increasing difficulty some drivers face when controlling vehicles with strong initial torque. With the proliferation of new-energy vehicles, incidents involving loss of control during startup operations have risen, particularly among EVs.
Popular Chinese EV models like Xiaomi’s SU7 Max, BYD’s Han L EV, and Geely’s Galaxy E8 all demonstrate the ability to achieve sub-five-second acceleration, proving that the draft standard does not hinder performance.
The draft also introduces several additional safety provisions for new-energy vehicles, including standardized regenerative braking systems, limits on deceleration, and mandatory pedal-misapplication suppression systems. These measures aim to enhance driver safety and control, especially in situations where rapid acceleration may be a concern.
So, is this draft standard a step towards safer roads, or an unnecessary restriction on vehicle performance? What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in the discussion below!