Interpretation of the 2024 Regulations on Electric Bicycle Battery Swapping Cabinets

I. Background and Significance

With the rapid proliferation of electric bicycles, the number of fire accidents caused by them has also surged dramatically. Among these accidents, 80% occur during charging, primarily triggered by lithium battery explosions. Therefore, the construction of electric bicycle battery swapping cabinets and the implementation of a vehicle-battery separation charging model have become crucial means to effectively reduce the losses caused by electric bicycle fires.

Furthermore, with the enforcement of new national standards and the tightening of safety management regulations for electric bicycles across regions, the battery swapping model is gradually becoming a compliant and mainstream energy replenishment method.

II. New Regulation Contents

Local Standards:

Taking Shenzhen as an example, on July 25, 2024, Shenzhen released DB4403/T481-2024 "Fire Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycle Charging and Swapping Cabinets," which will be implemented on September 1, 2024. This standard stipulates the basic requirements, fire safety requirements, and management requirements for electric bicycle charging and swapping cabinets, and applies to the fire safety management of such cabinets in Shenzhen.

The standard elaborates on clauses related to the cabinet shell, charging compartments, charging interfaces, charging sockets, electrical safety requirements, alarm function requirements, etc., and clearly outlines the basic and performance aspects such as relevant size requirements, the use of identifications and marks. Additionally, it provides detailed regulations on electrical safety devices, lightning protection devices, and alarm devices.

National Standards and Amendment Sheets:

Four mandatory national standards and their amendment sheets will officially take effect on November 1, 2024, serving as the basis for mandatory product certification for electric bicycles. These include GB17761-2018 "Safety Technical Specifications for Electric Bicycles," GB42295-2022 "Electrical Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycles" and its Amendment Sheet No. 1, GB42296-2022 "Safety Technical Requirements for Chargers for Electric Bicycles" and its Amendment Sheet No. 1, and GB43854-2024 "Safety Technical Specifications for Lithium-ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles."

From then on, electric bicycles, chargers, and lithium-ion batteries that do not meet the standards will not be produced, sold, or imported.

III. Impacts of the New Regulations

Promotion of Battery Swapping Model: The implementation of the new regulations will further propel the development of the electric bicycle battery swapping model. By constructing battery swapping cabinets and achieving vehicle-battery separation, safety issues related to electric bicycle charging can be effectively addressed, while charging efficiency can be enhanced.

Enhancement of Fire Safety Levels: The new regulations clearly stipulate the fire safety requirements for battery swapping cabinets, including shell materials, charging compartment designs, electrical safety devices, lightning protection devices, and alarm devices. This will help improve the fire safety levels of battery swapping cabinets and reduce the occurrence of fire accidents.

Promotion of Industrial Upgrades: The implementation of the new regulations will drive upgrades in the electric bicycle and related industries. Enterprises need to design and produce products according to the new regulatory requirements to meet market demands and regulatory standards. This will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness and sustainable development capabilities of the entire industry.

In summary, the implementation of the 2024 regulations on electric bicycle battery swapping cabinets will have a profound impact on the electric bicycle industry and battery swapping market. Governments and enterprises should work together to strengthen publicity and training, improve supporting facilities, strengthen supervision and law enforcement, and promote the healthy development of the battery swapping model.