Background and Significance
With the rapid proliferation of electric bicycles, fire incidents caused by these vehicles have also increased sharply. Among them, 80% of electric bicycle fires occur during charging, with the vast majority of accidents resulting from lithium battery ignition or explosion. Therefore, establishing electric bicycle charging and swapping cabinets to implement a vehicle-battery separation charging model has become a critical measure to effectively reduce fire-related losses from electric bicycles. Additionally, with the implementation of new national standards and the strengthening of electric bicycle safety management across regions, the battery swapping model is gradually becoming a compliant and mainstream solution for energy replenishment.
New Regulation Content
Taking Shenzhen as an example, on July 25, 2024, DB4403/T481-2024 "Fire Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycle Charging and Swapping Cabinets" was released and implemented on September 1, 2024. This standard specifies the basic requirements, fire protection facility requirements, and management requirements for electric bicycle charging and swapping cabinets, and applies to fire safety management of such cabinets in Shenzhen.
The standard details provisions regarding the cabinet casing, charging compartments, charging interfaces, charging sockets, electrical safety requirements, alarm function requirements, etc., clearly outlining basic and performance aspects such as dimensional requirements and the use of labels and markings. At the same time, it provides detailed regulations on electrical safety devices, lightning protection devices, and alarm systems.
National Standards and Amendments
Starting from November 1, 2024, four mandatory national standards and their amendments will officially take effect, serving as the basis for mandatory product certification of electric bicycles. These include GB17761-2018 "Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycles," GB42295-2022 "Electrical Safety Requirements for Electric Bicycles" and its Amendment No. 1, GB42296-2022 "Safety Technical Requirements for Chargers Used in Electric Bicycles" and its Amendment No. 1, and GB43854-2024 "Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Electric Bicycles." From that date onward, electric bicycles, assembled chargers, and assembled lithium-ion batteries that do not comply with these standards will be prohibited from production, sale, and import.
Impact of New Regulations
Promoting the Development of Battery Swapping Models: The implementation of the new regulations will further drive the development of battery swapping models for electric bicycles. By establishing charging and swapping cabinets and achieving vehicle-battery separation, charging safety issues for electric bicycles can be effectively addressed while improving charging efficiency.
Enhancing Fire Safety Levels: The new regulations clearly define fire safety requirements for charging and swapping cabinets, including casing materials, charging compartment design, electrical safety devices, lightning protection devices, and alarm systems. This will help improve the fire safety standards of charging and swapping cabinets and reduce the occurrence of fire incidents.
Facilitating Industry Upgrades: The implementation of the new regulations will promote the upgrading of the electric bicycle and related industries. Enterprises need to design and produce products in accordance with the new regulatory requirements to meet market demands and regulatory standards. This will enhance the competitiveness and sustainable development capacity of the entire industry.
In summary, the implementation of the new regulations for electric bicycle battery swapping cabinets in 2024 will have a profound impact on the electric bicycle industry and the charging and swapping market. Governments and enterprises should work together to strengthen publicity and training, improve supporting facilities, and enhance regulatory enforcement to promote the healthy development of the battery swapping model.
