China is preparing a change to vehicle regulations that aims to limit the acceleration of passenger cars when starting.
The new rule would require a vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in at least 5 seconds, unless the driver explicitly chooses a faster mode. If approved, the rule would apply to all passenger vehicles in the country, regardless of powertrain, and would hit very fast electric cars the hardest.
In practical terms, this means that models like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra (0,0‑100 km/h in about 1,98 s), the Zeekr 001 FR (2,02 s) or even the American Tesla Model S Plaid (2,1 s) would first have to provide a slower “safety” mode at startup before the driver would switch to the standard mode. The proposal, part of the document “Technical Specifications for Self-Propelled Vehicles Used on Roads”, is intended to replace the existing standard GB 7258‑2017.
In addition, a separate draft also includes a rule for very long vehicles (6 m or more in length), where a speeding alarm function is to be introduced - a visual or audible signal if the vehicle exceeds the permitted speed (which itself must not exceed 100 km/h) without a speed limitation system installed. A similar system is already well known in Europe, also on significantly smaller vehicles.
The change is aimed at improving safety and road behavior, but many believe it could ruin the joy of fast acceleration, especially for electric cars. However, once approved, the rule will have a vital impact on how cars are designed and programmed for the Chinese market.
