Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, has officially become the first company to achieve compliance with China’s upcoming national safety standard, GB 38031-2025. The regulation—set to come into force on July 1, 2026—introduces stringent requirements designed to improve the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with a specific focus on preventing fires and explosions during thermal runaway events.
The GB 38031-2025 standard, formally released on March 28, 2025, represents a significant update to China’s battery safety protocols. Among the most critical additions is a tougher thermal diffusion requirement. Batteries must now demonstrate the ability to contain thermal runaway without triggering combustion or explosion. Any smoke generated during the event must also be non-hazardous to passengers, marking a notable shift from the previous standard, which only required early warning signals before a thermal event escalated.
CATL’s compliance was confirmed following a series of evaluations conducted by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), an independent certification body known for its role in managing China’s New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP). The tests included assessments of battery performance under extreme conditions such as bottom impact, repeated fast-charging cycles, and short-circuit stress scenarios.
The Qilin battery, submitted by CATL for evaluation, passed all required tests. First introduced in June 2022, the Qilin battery is CATL’s third-generation cell-to-pack (CTP) technology. It boasts a volume utilization rate of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. According to CATL, the battery’s design prioritizes structural stability and features enhancements aimed at mitigating thermal propagation risks. “Our goal is to continue improving thermal diffusion control, impact resistance, and fast-charging safety,” the company stated in its announcement.
The Qilin battery’s structural innovations include a more stable load-bearing architecture, which CATL says improves both mechanical durability and thermal control. This is particularly relevant as the industry moves toward higher energy density packs that are more prone to thermal stress.
By February 2025, CATL batteries were in use across more than 18 million vehicles globally. The Qilin battery in particular has been adopted by several prominent automotive brands, including Aito, Zeekr, Li Auto, Xiaomi, Neta, Avatr, and Lotus. This broad market penetration reflects growing trust in CATL’s energy storage technologies, especially as EV manufacturers face increasing regulatory scrutiny over battery safety.
With the new certification in hand, CATL is positioning itself as an early mover in a regulatory environment that is becoming more focused on safety and long-term reliability. While pricing details for the Qilin battery were not disclosed, its early compliance with GB 38031-2025 could offer a competitive advantage as manufacturers begin preparing for the 2026 enforcement date.
