Vietnam’s New Regulations for Electric Motorcycle Traction Batteries Take Effect｜Comprehensive Upgrades to Safety and Performance Requirements
On 1 March 2025, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam were merged to form the new Ministry of Construction of Vietnam, which officially came into operation on the same day.
On 17 April 2026, the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam issued Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BXD, promulgating the new standard for traction batteries used in electric motorcycles and electric mopeds: QCVN 31:2026/BXD. This standard will become mandatory on 9 October 2026, completely replacing QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT previously issued by the former Ministry of Transport.
Key changes in the new standard:
- Clearly defined product scope: QCVN 31:2026/BXD explicitly applies to lead‑acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
- Higher safety requirements: The definition of “fire” is revised from “visible flame” to “production of smoke or flame”.
- Stricter performance requirements: The voltage shall not be lower than the rated value; the actual capacity of lithium-ion batteries must reach 100% of the rated capacity.
- More realistic test conditions: The salt concentration for the immersion test is amended to 3.5% – 5%.
MCM Reminder
From 9 October 2026 onwards, all traction batteries for electric motorcycles manufactured, assembled or imported into Vietnam must comply with the new standard.
For batteries that have submitted applications and are currently undergoing testing before the new standard takes effect, the certification process can continue to be completed in accordance with QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT. The VR certificates obtained under QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT remain valid and can continue to be used within their validity period.
What MCM Can Do for You
Facing the upgrade of Vietnam’s traction battery standards, MCM has been continuously deepening its expertise in Vietnamese certification, providing customers with more efficient and professional one-stop services:
1. Maintain friendly strategic cooperation with the only official laboratory in Vietnam, offer technical support, and customise optimal solutions for our customers.
2. Provide in-depth interpretation of the latest regulatory information and technical requirements, helping enterprises plan compliance strategies in advance and reduce market access risks.