Warawut proposes the Cabinet to mandate electric car and motorcycle batteries as controlled products, stressing that standards must comply with safety regulations following public concerns about fire risks due to battery issues.
27 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, revealed at the Government House that the Ministry of Industry is moving forward to enhance the safety standards of electric vehicles (EVs). This follows the growing popularity of electric cars and motorcycles alongside ongoing concerns about reports of EV fires, which may be linked to overheating, overcharging, or substandard equipment, affecting public confidence and safety of life and property.
Recently, the Ministry of Industry proposed to the Cabinet for approval to "designate electric car batteries and electric motorcycle batteries as controlled products," with enforcement expected by May 2027. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors will be required to comply with prescribed standards to ensure that batteries used in electric vehicles are safe and inspire consumer confidence.
These standards include TIS 3026-2020 for electric car batteries and TIS 2952-2018 for electric motorcycle batteries, referencing the internationally recognized UN R100 and UN R136 standards. They require batteries to pass safety performance tests simulating real-world use and accident scenarios.
Key requirements cover resistance to road vibration, compression from impacts or accidents, with batteries required not to leak electrolytes and to maintain specified conditions. They must also have overcharge cut-off systems, protections against short circuits, over-discharge, and excessive temperatures, withstand rapid temperature changes, and resist external fire long enough for occupants to escape.
Currently, the Ministry of Industry has set 211 standards related to electric vehicles, including 6 mandatory or controlled product standards, and is working on 7 more standards covering batteries, charging cables, AC and DC charging stations, and passenger protection during front and side collisions.
This upgrade in standards is part of protecting the public from risks posed by substandard equipment and establishing safety assurances to support a confident and sustainable transition to electric vehicles.