Core Viewpoint - The recent draft of the "Motor Vehicle Operation Safety Technical Conditions" by the Ministry of Public Security marks a significant regulatory shift in the intelligent electric vehicle industry, emphasizing safety standards for acceleration performance and battery safety in response to increasing incidents of acceleration loss of control and related accidents [1][3][8]. Industry Growth and Safety Concerns - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has experienced rapid growth, with sales projected to increase from 3.5 million units in 2021 to 12.9 million units in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 40% [3]. - In the first ten months of this year, NEV sales have already surpassed the total sales of the previous year, with NEVs accounting for over half of total vehicle sales [3]. - The rapid technological advancements in NEVs have led to heightened safety concerns, particularly regarding the instantaneous peak power release from electric motors, which many new drivers struggle to manage [3][7]. Regulatory Measures - The draft regulation requires that vehicles must default to a low acceleration performance state upon startup, with a minimum acceleration time of 5 seconds per 100 kilometers, aimed at enhancing driver preparedness [1][8]. - Additional safety features mandated include a pedal misapplication suppression function that detects and limits power output during stationary or creeping conditions, along with clear auditory or visual alerts for drivers [8][9]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced stringent standards for electric vehicle batteries, emphasizing the need for batteries to be non-flammable and non-explosive, with automatic monitoring and alert systems for abnormal conditions [9]. Incident Reports - Several high-profile accidents involving NEVs have highlighted the dangers associated with acceleration loss of control, with a reported 47% increase in such incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, leading to fatalities [3][4]. - Notable incidents include a driver in Jiangxi who accelerated to 129 km/h in a 40 km/h zone, resulting in multiple fatalities, and another case in Anhui where a vehicle in autonomous driving mode crashed, leading to three deaths [4][6]. Future Outlook - The regulatory changes are seen as a transition from a performance-driven approach to a more safety-oriented framework in the NEV industry, encouraging companies to focus on solid technical development and safety validation rather than aggressive marketing [13][14]. - The new regulations are expected to set a precedent for global automotive standards, with international attention on China's regulatory approach to intelligent electric vehicles [14].