China Releases Automotive Standards Plan, Seeks Greater Say in UN Vehicle Regulations

China has unveiled its latest work plan on automotive standardisation on Tuesday, setting technical requirements for electric vehicles, AI vehicles and automotive semiconductor chips, the South China Morning Post reported.

The plan calls for completing a standards blueprint for the automobile industry during the 15th five-year plan period, which runs through 2030. Among its priorities are testing and security requirements for AI models in automated driving systems, as well as guidelines for large automotive models and end-to-end AI systems that carmakers are increasingly deploying in advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving applications.

The ministry also pledged to accelerate work on standards for automotive chips. The plan covers battery safety, charging systems and solid-state battery technology, which the industry worldwide is developing as a successor to current lithium-ion technology.

The work plan also sets out China's approach to international automotive rule-making. The ministry said it would deepen participation in United Nations automotive regulations covering autonomous driving, electric vehicle safety and battery durability, promote new international standards, and work toward establishing an international automotive science and technology organisation. It is also committed to supporting Chinese automakers in meeting regulatory requirements in overseas markets.

China is the world's largest producer and exporter of electric vehicles, accounting for 60% of global EV sales. The country has been deepening its engagement with multilateral automotive standards bodies in recent years, and the new plan broadens that effort to cover AI and semiconductor standards.

The development is relevant to India's automobile sector, which is building out its own standards to push for electric vehicles and connected vehicle technologies. Should Beijing's proposed frameworks gain adoption through the United Nations system, they would shape the regulatory landscape that Indian automakers and component suppliers navigate in global markets.