China-Led Solid-State Battery Standard Project Approved by IEC

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has formally initiated a project to establish the first international standard for electric vehicle solid-state batteries, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation. Proposed by China with participation from technical experts in France, South Korea, and Japan, the standard outlines application guidelines, test items, and operating conditions. The initiative aims to provide unified testing benchmarks across the global automotive supply chain as manufacturers develop next-generation battery technology.

Solid-state batteries are viewed across the automotive sector as a critical next-generation technology offering higher energy density and improved safety over traditional liquid-electrolyte batteries. However, commercialization and international integration have faced hurdles due to the absence of standardized testing benchmarks. An internationally recognized standard approved through the IEC creates a common baseline for safety and performance evaluations, which can facilitate cross-border component integration, testing mutual recognition, and commercial deployment.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has formally approved a project to establish the world’s first international standard for solid-state batteries used in electric vehicles, according to a report by People's Daily citing China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The proposal, titled "Secondary lithium-ion cells for the propulsion of electric road vehicles – Application guidelines, test items and conditions for solid-state cells," was initiated by China. Experts from several countries with major automotive and battery sectors, including France, South Korea, and Japan, participated in the project's development and submission. Solid-state batteries are widely regarded across the electric vehicle sector as a key evolutionary path beyond conventional cells that utilize liquid electrolytes. By employing solid electrolytes, the cells are designed to achieve higher energy densities, longer driving ranges, and significantly reduced thermal runaway risks, leading to improved operational safety and stability. According to the regulatory announcement, the forthcoming standard is intended to establish clear technical definitions and standardized test procedures for solid-state battery cells. Automotive manufacturers and battery producers currently operate under fragmented internal methodologies or varying regional testing frameworks. Establishing an internationally recognized benchmark under the IEC is intended to provide a unified reference point for research, development, and mass manufacturing across the global supply chain. Chinese regulatory authorities emphasized that the initiative draws on domestic research and development in solid-state battery technology. Officials stated that establishing the standard will support international technology exchange and contribute to broader industrial upgrades across the global clean-energy transition. The project's approval at the IEC represents the initiation phase of the standard-setting process. Moving from an approved project proposal to a published international standard will require drafting, technical reviews, and formal voting rounds among IEC member national committees before final adoption.