As the electric bicycle (e-bike) industry booms, battery safety has become a top priority. On April 25, 2024, the mandatory national standard GB 43854-2024 "Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles" – drafted under the organization of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) – was officially released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC). It will formally take effect on November 1, 2024. Guangdong ESTL Technology Co., Ltd. (ESTL) closely monitors this standard and provides strong support to the battery testing field with its professional capabilities.

I. Clear Definition of Scope of Application

This standard applies exclusively to lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles that meet the requirements of GB 17761 "Safety Technical Specification for Electric Bicycles" and have a maximum output voltage not exceeding 60V. It does not cover lithium-ion batteries used in electric scooters, balance bikes, electric motorcycles, electric tricycles, or other similar vehicles. This precise scope definition sets a clear boundary for the standardized management of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles.

II. Strict Requirements to Ensure Safety

The standard imposes rigorous testing requirements on both single-cell batteries and battery packs, covering multiple safety dimensions to eliminate potential hazards.

1. Single-Cell Batteries

The standard specifies 6 key test items for single-cell batteries, including marking, overcharging (1.5x rated voltage), over-discharging, external short-circuit, thermal abuse, and needle penetration. Among these, the 1.5x overcharge test and needle penetration test are particularly critical – they effectively screen out batteries with poor safety performance. For example, high-nickel ternary lithium batteries will struggle to pass these tests, meaning their application in the e-bike sector will be severely limited in the future.

2. Battery Packs

A total of 22 test items are established across 7 categories: electrical safety, mechanical safety, environmental safety, thermal runaway prevention, interoperable charging, data collection, and marking.

• Electrical Safety: Covers tests for over-discharging, overcharging, temperature protection, external short-circuit, interoperable charging, data collection, insulation resistance, and over-current discharge. Battery packs may be required to adopt a dual-protection design and support interoperable charging to reduce charging risks. Additionally, key data must be collected in real time during charging and discharging, with a dedicated management system for monitoring.
• Mechanical Safety: Includes tests for extrusion, acceleration shock, vibration, free fall, and handle strength – ensuring the battery pack remains safe under various mechanical stresses.
• Environmental Safety: Validates the battery pack’s reliability under different conditions through tests for low air pressure, temperature cycling, water immersion, salt spray, and damp-heat cycling.
• Thermal Runaway Prevention: Clearly mandates that if one single cell in the pack catches fire, the fire must not spread rapidly to the entire pack – significantly reducing fire risks. Moreover, the battery pack’s housing, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and wires must use flame-retardant materials to slow flame spread. Battery packs must also have a unique identification code (marked with 950°C heat-resistant material) to facilitate fire traceability. Manufacturers are required to clearly indicate the "safe service life" to remind users to replace old batteries promptly and minimize safety hazards.

III. Significant Implications of Standard Implementation

As a mandatory national standard for the safety of lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, GB 43854-2024 regulates the entire lifecycle of products – from design and production to sales. Its implementation will:

• Significantly improve the intrinsic safety of lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes;
• Effectively reduce the incidence of safety accidents (e.g., fires) during use;
• Effectively protect consumers’ personal health and life property safety;
• Strongly drive the healthy and orderly development of the e-bike industry.

According to Article 25 of the Standardization Law of the People’s Republic of China, products that do not comply with this mandatory standard shall not be produced, sold, imported, or supplied. This means that after the standard takes effect, all lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes sold in China must strictly meet its requirements.

IV. ESTL’s Support for Standard Compliance

Guangdong ESTL Technology Co., Ltd. (ESTL) consistently keeps pace with industry standards. Leveraging its professional testing technology and extensive experience, ESTL provides comprehensive and accurate testing services for lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes in accordance with GB 43854-2024 and other relevant standards. By doing so, it helps enterprises produce safer and more reliable products, contributing to the sustainable development of the e-bike industry.