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National safety standards for electric and hydrogen-fuelled vehicles

We are seeking feedback on proposed new rules prescribing safety requirements for electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-fuelled cell vehicles (HFCVs) across the majority of road vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, utility vehicles, commercial vehicles and buses but excluding motorcycles and trikes.

Why we want your input

Vehicle safety affects all Australians. We want your input to help develop safety standards for the propulsion systems and components of EVs and HFCVs.

How you can voice your opinion

Read the proposed explanatory statements and Australian Design Rules (ADRs) 109/00 and 110/00 below, and provide your submission by 27 March 2023. For detailed feedback please complete and attach the consultation feedback form below.

What will be the outcome of this consultation?

Your submission will help inform future standards for electric powertrain safety requirements and hydrogen-fuelled vehicle safety related performance in all new passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles and buses.

The Issue

The number of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as EVs and HFCVs, in Australia is on the rise. Consumer demand is being driven by the desire to help address climate change and reduce noise pollution in high density areas.

Currently, ZEVs are provided to the market with unregulated high voltage electric powertrain and hydrogen-fuelled propulsion systems.

Establishing national standards for ZEVs and aligning these with international standards will ensure the safest possible vehicles are available for the Australian community and on our roads.

The implementation of a national approach would benefit road users, including vehicle occupants, first responders and the wider community to help protect them from:

  • direct contact with high voltage live parts and battery electrolyte leakage in EVs in the event of a vehicle crash
  • compressed hydrogen storage systems in the event of a vehicle crash
  • specific components for compressed hydrogen systems, including safety protection with automatic shut-off valves for hydrogen-fuelled vehicles.

The proposed new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) address safety issues of high voltage systems and the high-pressure storage systems associated with HFCVs.

We are seeking feedback on the proposed regulations including:

  • support for proposed ADRs
  • the suitability of adopting these international regulations under the Australian Design Rules. We are interested in any comments on:
    • functional and/or performance requirements
    • testing requirements
    • implementation timing and affected vehicle categories
  • any other relevant views or information.

Relevant documentation

Electric Powertrain Safety Requirements

Hydrogen Fuelled Vehicle Safety Related Performance

Electric Power Train Safety Requirements and Hydrogen-Fuelled Vehicle Safety Related Performance – feedback form

Participate

31 Jan 2023 00:00 AEDT
27 Mar 2023 23:59 AEDT
Closed
This consultation is closed.