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 matter, stating that the draft does not restrict vehicles' ability to achieve sub-five-second 0–100 km/h acceleration. So, what's the truth behind this misunderstanding? Let's dive in and uncover the facts.
The draft, titled "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety," was released for consultation on November 10, 2025, as part of China's national standard revision plan. One particular clause caught the attention of many, stating that passenger vehicles must default to a working mode where acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes at least five seconds after each power-on or ignition event, excluding automatic start-stop systems. This clause quickly went viral, with the topic "EV acceleration performance banned" spreading across social media platforms.
But here's where it gets interesting: the key to understanding this draft lies in the term "default start-up." Officials clarified that this refers to the initial operating mode of the vehicle immediately after power-on or ignition. In this default mode, acceleration from 0–100 km/h must take a minimum of five seconds. However, the draft does not prevent vehicles from achieving faster acceleration times once additional driver inputs or performance settings are engaged. In other words, sub-five-second acceleration is still possible, as the regulation only applies to the initial torque delivery, not the vehicle's peak performance.
The drafting official explained that this adjustment is in response to recent trends in the domestic market. With the proliferation of new-energy vehicle sales, many models now offer strong initial torque, which can pose challenges for some drivers when controlling the vehicle from a standstill. The official noted that incidents involving loss of control during start-up operations have increased, particularly among EVs. While high-performance internal-combustion vehicles also present similar risks, their market share is relatively smaller.
To put things into perspective, popular Chinese EVs like the Xiaomi SU7 Max, BYD Han L EV, and Geely Galaxy E8, all achieve sub-five-second acceleration times, with the Xiaomi SU7 Max reaching 0–100 km/h in an impressive 2.78 seconds. These examples demonstrate that the draft does not hinder vehicles' ability to deliver exceptional performance.
The consultation draft also includes several additional safety provisions for new-energy vehicles. These provisions aim to standardize one-pedal driving behavior, limit deceleration after releasing the accelerator, and mandate pedal-misapplication suppression systems to monitor and restrict power output when the vehicle is stationary or creeping, while also issuing clear audio or visual alerts. Furthermore, in-car entertainment displays must disable video playback and gaming when the vehicle exceeds 10 km/h, and power batteries in pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars must comply with national standard GB 38031, featuring directional pressure-relief and pressure-balancing structures.
As the draft remains in the public consultation stage, it's an opportune time to engage in a discussion. Do you think these safety measures are necessary, or do they go too far in restricting vehicle performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's spark a conversation about the future of automotive safety and performance in China.
