With the global surge in electric mobility, China—as a leading producer and exporter of electric two-wheelers—has seen a growing number of manufacturers turn their attention to the European market. However, accessing this high-standard market requires clearing a critical threshold: ECE certification for electric vehicles.

For L-category vehicles such as e-bikes and electric motorcycles, the most essential regulatory framework is ECE R136, which directly determines whether products can legally enter the EU and its contracting party markets.

01 Market Access: Core Value of ECE Certification for Electric Vehicle Exports

The European market is globally renowned for its stringent requirements for vehicle safety, environmental protection, and performance. The ECE regulations formulated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) have become mandatory technical standards for entering the European market.

For electric vehicle enterprises, ECE certification is not only a legal requirement but also a reflection of product competitiveness. Certified products signify compliance with internationally recognized safety standards, enabling them to gain the trust of European consumers and regulatory authorities.

2023 data shows that the EU e-bike market achieved an annual growth rate exceeding 15%. However, over 30% of Chinese electric vehicle enterprises encountered obstacles during their first attempt to enter the European market due to insufficient understanding of certification requirements.

ECE R136 is specifically designed for the electric drive systems and Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (REESS) of L-category vehicles such as electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Unlike automotive certifications, it focuses more on the unique safety risks associated with these light-duty electric vehicles.

02 Regulatory Focus: Technical Core & Requirements of ECE R136 Certification

ECE R136 certification primarily covers two categories of products: complete electric two/three-wheelers and standalone power battery systems (REESS). The technical core of this certification revolves around two dimensions: electrical safety and mechanical safety.

The certification includes comprehensive and rigorous test items, mainly divided into four categories:

• Electrical Safety Tests: Overcharge protection, overdischarge protection, external short-circuit protection, over-temperature protection, and the newly added overcurrent test
• Mechanical Safety Tests: Vibration test, mechanical shock test, drop test
• Environmental Reliability Tests: Thermal shock and temperature cycling test
• Fire Safety Tests: Fire resistance (combustion) test

Among these, the overcurrent test is a key item newly added in Revision 01 of the regulation. It requires the Battery Management System (BMS) to respond quickly and cut off the circuit in case of abnormal high current, reflecting regulators’ emphasis on dynamic fault protection capabilities.

Notably, September 1, 2025 marks a critical deadline. After this date, the EU will no longer accept new certification applications based on the old Revision 00. All new products must comply with Revision 01 requirements, including the mandatory overcurrent test.

03 Mark Interpretation: E-mark Certification & Product Compliance Labeling

Products that pass ECE certification will obtain E-mark certification and affix the corresponding E-mark label on the vehicle. This mark consists of a circle, the uppercase letter "E", and a number, where the number represents the country code of the certification-issuing authority.

Common country codes for certification include:

• E1 (Germany), E4 (Netherlands), E11 (UK), E24 (Ireland), etc.

While certification bodies in different countries may vary in process details and audit priorities, the underlying standards are unified.

The E-mark label must be permanently displayed in a prominent position on the vehicle:

• For complete vehicle certification, it is usually placed on the frame or rear fender.
• For standalone battery system certification, it must be affixed to a visible location on the battery housing.

Obtaining E-mark certification means products can be sold in all ECE regulation-accredited member states without redundant certifications in each country. Currently, over 60 countries worldwide recognize ECE regulations, including all EU member states and non-EU countries such as Japan and Australia.

04 Practical Guide: Complete ECE Certification Process for Electric Vehicles

ECE certification for electric vehicles is a systematic project. Efficient planning can help enterprises save significant time and resources. Below is an optimized three-step strategy:

Step 1: Preparatory Work & Gap Analysis (Recommended to Start 6–9 Months in Advance)

The core task of this phase is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the gap between the current product status and regulatory requirements. Enterprises need to:

• Confirm target markets (select certification countries)
• Prepare technical documentation (including product specifications, circuit diagrams, BMS strategy descriptions, etc.)
• Select a qualified certification service provider

Pre-evaluation services offered by professional institutions can help identify approximately 80% of potential non-conformities, which is the key to avoiding failure in subsequent formal testing.

Step 2: Sample Testing & Document Submission

Prepare compliant samples (usually 4 complete battery packs or full vehicles) and send them to authorized laboratories for testing. During the testing phase, enterprise technical personnel should maintain close communication with the laboratory to stay updated on testing progress. After all tests are completed, the laboratory will issue an official test report.

Submit the test report along with technical documents to the selected certification body (e.g., Germany’s KBA or the Netherlands’ RDW) for review. This phase typically takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the certification body’s workload and document completeness.

Step 3: Certificate Acquisition & Post-Certification Management

Upon successful review, the enterprise will receive an E-mark certificate with a unique serial number. During the certificate validity period, enterprises must ensure that mass-produced products remain consistent with the certified samples—a process supported by a robust quality management system.

Enterprises should also note that while initial certification focuses primarily on product itself, maintaining production consistency is fundamental to sustaining certificate validity. Holding valid ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality management system certificates helps streamline this process.

05 Certification FAQs: Common Questions About ECE Certification for Electric Vehicles

Q1: Do both e-bikes and electric motorcycles require ECE certification?

A: Yes. Any product with a designed speed exceeding 6 km/h intended for sale in the EU or ECE contracting parties must obtain corresponding certification. Different vehicle models may fall under different ECE regulations, but electric two-wheelers are primarily governed by ECE R136.

Q2: How long does the certification process typically take?

A: The full cycle usually ranges from 8–16 weeks, depending on product complexity, one-time test pass rate, and the certification body’s efficiency. Conducting thorough pre-testing can significantly shorten the overall timeline.

Q3: What constitutes the cost of ECE certification?

A: Costs mainly include testing fees (determined by battery capacity and number of test items), technical service fees, and certificate fees charged by the certification body. Total costs vary by product complexity and certification body; professional institutions can provide transparent pre-project quotes.

Q4: Is certification required for exporting standalone battery packs?

A: Yes. As a critical vehicle component, Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (REESS) can apply for ECE R136 certification independently. Certified battery packs can be used by multiple vehicle manufacturers, enhancing supply chain flexibility.

Q5: Do minor modifications to certified products require re-certification?

A: It depends on the nature of the modification. If changes may affect safety performance (e.g., replacing cell models, adjusting BMS protection parameters), supplementary testing or even re-certification is required. It is recommended to consult the certification body before implementing any design changes.

Q6: Are there authorized laboratories for ECE certification in China?

A: Yes. Several laboratories in China are authorized by the transportation departments of EU member states to conduct ECE testing and issue reports. Choosing local laboratories saves logistics time and costs, and facilitates communication and problem-solving.

Q7: What specific impact does the September 2025 deadline have on enterprises?

A: After this date, all new certification applications must comply with Revision 01 requirements (including new items such as the overcurrent test). Products with existing Revision 00 certificates can continue production and sales during the certificate validity period, but new product development must adhere to Revision 01 standards.

Faced with the enormous potential of Europe’s green mobility market, Chinese electric vehicle enterprises cannot afford to be deterred by certification barriers. When electric two-wheelers bearing the E-mark cruise through European streets, compliance is transformed into a market competitive advantage.

The certification process is not only a technical challenge but also a journey for enterprises to refine products and upgrade management systems. In-depth understanding of regulations and forward-looking planning will determine an enterprise’s ultimate position in the international market.