Summary of Key Points
On July 1, 2026, the strictest new national battery standard in history (GB38031-2025), which requires batteries to be flameproof and explosion-proof, officially came into effect. Automobile companies have been promoting that their vehicles meet the new standards, but they are hesitant to clearly state this in the contracts. User attitudes vary: some are anxious about having purchased vehicles that do not meet the new standards, others are waiting to see what the new standards will bring, and still others are looking for deals on older models with lower prices. The new standard has led to an increase in battery costs (an additional $4,000-$6,500 per vehicle), and although companies do not raise prices openly, they have been reducing discounts secretly. As a result of the change in testing standards, the claimed range of vehicles has decreased by 15%-20%, with some companies even sacrificing performance to maintain the range. Finally, a practical method has been provided for users to determine whether their vehicle meets the new standard.
I. Promises of Compliance Are Loud, but Contracts Are Vague
Automobile companies claim that their vehicles comply with the new standards, yet when it comes to contracts, they are ambiguous.
- Promotion vs. Reality: Battery manufacturers (such as CATL and BYD) and automakers (like Jikr and NIO) have long stated that their products fully meet the new standards. However, when users ask if the standards are mentioned in the contract, sales representatives often respond that the contracts are standardized by the group and cannot be altered, or that although the technical solutions meet the standards, official certification is required.
- Behind the Scenes: Technicians explain that the old standard allowed for a 5-minute warning before the battery caught fire, while the new standard requires no fires at all. During the validity period of the old standard, companies would not voluntarily switch to the new production lines due to the high costs involved in making such changes. The emphasis on compliance is more about maintaining a good brand image; actual production continues to follow the old standards until the new standard becomes mandatory.
- User Confusion: This is similar to the difference between saying "I can get a perfect score" and actually getting a perfect score on an exam. Users want clear, written proof that their vehicles meet the new standards, but they are unable to obtain it.
II. Diverse User Attitudes: Anxiety, Wait-and-See, and Opportunity Seeking
After the new standard was implemented, users reacted in various ways:
- Anxious Group: Those who have just purchased vehicles that do not meet the new standards. For example, Ms. Liu from Shenzhen, who bought her car in March, became anxious upon hearing about the new standard and wanted to upgrade to a new-standard battery but received no response from the company.
- Wait-and-See Group: People cautious about making mistakes. Mr. Lin from Shanghai, who has been following the electric vehicle market for three years and has seen a fire in a car in the parking garage, decided to wait until the new standards are more clearly defined before making a purchase, with sales representatives suggesting that policies might become clearer in the second half of the year.
- Opportunity Seeking Group: Those looking for deals. Mr. Zhao from Hebei believes that older models will be sold at lower prices and decided to take a chance, reasoning that the probability of spontaneous combustion is low and that the vehicle's performance would be sufficient for his needs since he does not often use highways.
III. Hidden Price Increases Despite No Explicit Raise
Although the new standard has increased battery costs, companies are not raising prices directly but using other tactics:
- Hidden Price Increases: A few companies (like Jikr and BYD) have stated that they will not increase prices, but most have reduced discounts. For example, a certain brand offered a two-year interest-free period plus a $10,000 option in June, which in July became a low-interest loan plus an additional $5,000 option. Sales representatives explained this as the end of a half-year evaluation period, but the real reason is the increased cost due to the new standard.
- Range Reduction: The new standard uses more realistic CLTC-P testing methods, resulting in a 15%-20% decrease in claimed range (for example, from 700 kilometers to 590 kilometers). Some companies reduce motor power or limit battery capacity to maintain the range, leading to slower acceleration and a shorter actual driving distance.
IV. Lower Residual Value for Older Vehicles
The new standard will further diminish the resale value of older vehicles:
- Low Residual Value to Begin with: The average residual value of electric vehicles after three years is 45%-50%, which is much lower than that of gasoline vehicles.
- Increased Depreciation: Second-hand vehicle appraisers predict that the value of older models will drop by at least $20,000 after two years, as the market only recognizes vehicles that meet the new standard. Buying an older model now could result in a loss of $15,000-$20,000 when trying to sell it in three years.
V. Three Practical Ways to Verify If Your Vehicle Meets the New Standard
Here are three effective ways to determine if your vehicle meets the new standard:
1. Check the Certificate of Conformity: Look for the "Implementation Standard" section; if it includes GB38031-2025, then the vehicle meets the new standard.
2. Examine the License Plate: The production date on the B-pillar or front compartment license plate indicates whether the vehicle was produced after 2026 (for models without recent updates, additional verification is needed).
3. Request Proof at the Time of Booking: Ask that the contract explicitly states compliance with GB38031-2025, or ask the dealership to issue a confirmation letter—some dealerships have already started providing this service.
Final Thoughts
The new national standard is a positive development as it makes battery safety a concrete requirement rather than just a slogan. However, companies' promotion of compliance lags behind reality. What users need is clear information about their vehicles' compliance. I hope automakers will provide more transparency to avoid confusion. Those who have recently purchased electric vehicles should use these methods to ensure they do not make mistakes.