The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Policy News

The European Commission has proposed common safety standards for electric vehicle markets in Europe. By thereby protecting electric vehicle users and simplifying the current legislation at the same time, the EC is aiming to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Europe in order to reduce CO₂ emissions.

The proposal of the European Commission earlier this week calls for new safety standards ensuring that all electric vehicles marketed in Europe are constructed according to these common standards. Harmonised test requirements on electric safety should also reduce and simplify the current legislation. As it will replace divergent approval practices of some EU Member States, the new standards will result in reducing the administrative burden for manufacturers and encourage growth within the EV market.

EVs: the most promising technology

Vice-President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "Electrical vehicles are one of the most promising technologies for greener transport. Knowing that these will be generally available to consumers in the very near future we need to ensure that they are safe to use. These proposals aim at doing just that. Meanwhile I am pleased that we are reducing red-tape by eliminating what in reality is a double-burden for industry when it comes to car type approval.”

UNECE Regulation: first international regulation on EV electric safety

The proposal incorporates an existing set of safety standards established under the European Law Regulation No. 100 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It introduces type approval requirements for all types of electric and hybrid vehicles’ electric safety, while reducing the costs and delays associated with multiple approvals in various countries.

UNECE Regulation 100 will ensure the safety of electric cars by setting out how users of cars shall be protected from the high voltage parts of cars. This includes that the regulation ensures that users do not accidentally come into contact with high voltage cables or that the regulation defines requirements on the practical use of electric cars, such as giving an indication to the driver that the electric engine is switched on.