CCAP certification of vehicle batteries has revised rules and requirements. They were published by the CCAP China (Certification Centre for Automobile Product Co., Ltd) on April 30, 2024. The announcement lists the various updates and the respective date and website for rules implementation:
I. Major revisions to the new version of the rules
(1) The battery management system has been added to the new scope of voluntary CCAP certification
(2) Revisions to the CCAP certification standards: five standards have been added, including:
- GB/T 5008.1-2013 “Lead-acid batteries for starting – Part 1: Technical conditions and test methods”,
- GB/T 7403.1-2018 “Lead-acid batteries for traction – Part 1: Technical conditions”,
- GB/T 32620.1-2016 “Lead-acid batteries for electric road vehicles – Part 1: Technical conditions”,
- GB/T 38661-2020 “Technical conditions for battery management systems for electric vehicles”,
- GB/T 39086-2020 “Functional safety requirements and test methods for battery management systems for electric vehicles”
And the following two standards have been removed:
- GB/T 31485-2015 “Safety requirements and test methods for power batteries for electric vehicles”,
- GB/T 31467.3-2015 “Lithium-ion power battery packs and systems for electric vehicles” have been added. Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods”.
(3) The type test items and implementation requirements have been modified. In particular,
- Type test items are applicable clauses of GB/T 5008.1, GB/T 7403.1, GB/T 18333.2 and other standards, among which some durability tests may not be implemented temporarily.
- The client can choose to implement all clauses of the CCAP certification standard.
- The type test is completed by the contracted laboratory entrusted by CCAP China. The contracted laboratory should complete the test within the specified time and keep records according to the requirements of CCAP China.
- If any test item fails, the client can re-test after completing the rectification within 3 months. If the re-inspection is still unqualified or the rectification is not completed on time, the CCAP certification will be terminated.
- CCAP China can use the testing resources of the production enterprise to implement on-site sampling or witness testing, and the designated laboratory will issue a test report.
(4) The requirements for using the testing resources of the production enterprise to implement the test and the requirements for the use of other conformity assessment results have been modified. Specifically,
- Class A and Class B enterprises can use their own testing resources to replace some type tests, post-certification supervision sampling tests, etc., under certain conditions.
- Two ways to use factory testing resources:
- TMP method: Contracted laboratory engineers use factory laboratory equipment to conduct testing, and the factory sends people to assist.
- WMT method: Contracted laboratory engineers witness factory laboratory personnel conducting testing on site.
- CCAP China can recognize the valid test reports provided by the factory and exempt some certification test items.
- CCAP China will exempt or reduce the fees for the items and contents exempted by using voluntary certification results.
Implementation requirements of the new rules
(1) Implementation time
From May 1, 2024, the voluntary CCAP certification of vehicle battery products shall be entrusted in accordance with the new rules, and CCAP China shall accept and certify in accordance with the new rules.
(2) Voluntary certification application
Enterprises can submit voluntary certification applications through the CCAP website. For specific matters regarding CCAP certification, please contact the certification department.
What is CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020 in China?
CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020 are certification implementation rules specifically related to vehicle batteries in China. The CCAP (China Certification Center for Automotive Products) is responsible for this certification, which ensures that vehicle batteries meet certain safety, performance, and quality standards. The implementation rules cover various aspects of battery design, manufacturing, testing, and usage to ensure they are safe and reliable for use in vehicles. Key areas typically include:
- Performance Requirements: Ensuring batteries meet specific performance benchmarks such as energy capacity, charge/discharge cycles, and efficiency.
- Safety Standards: Including thermal stability, resistance to physical damage, and prevention of hazardous incidents such as leaks or explosions.
- Quality Assurance: Processes and protocols to ensure consistent battery quality across different production batches.
What is CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024?
CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024 is updated and these newer certification implementation rules have been introduced to supersede CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020. The implementation rules include additional requirements and modifications compared to the preceding rules. The key change in this updated certification is the inclusion of the Battery Management System (BMS) within the scope of the certification.
Why is the Scope of Certification Modified and the Battery Management System Added?
The scope of certification was modified to adapt to the evolving technological landscape and to enhance safety and performance standards in vehicle batteries. Here are some reasons for these changes:
- Technological Advancements: With advancements in battery technology and the increasing complexity of battery systems in modern vehicles, there is a need for more comprehensive standards. The inclusion of BMS ensures that the entire battery system, not just the individual cells, is covered under certification.
- Safety Concerns: Battery management systems play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling battery operations, ensuring safe charging and discharging, preventing overcharging, overheating, and other potential hazards. By including BMS in the certification scope, it ensures that the safety features of the battery system are adequately tested and verified.
- Performance Optimization: A well-designed BMS can significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of a battery by managing its operations more efficiently. The updated certification standard aims to ensure that vehicle batteries not only meet safety requirements but also deliver optimal performance throughout their lifecycle.
- Regulatory Compliance and Market Needs: The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, with new regulations and market demands emerging regularly. Updating the certification standards ensures that vehicle batteries meet current regulatory requirements and market expectations, promoting consumer confidence and industry growth.
In summary, the update from CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020 to CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024 reflects the need to address the increasing complexity and importance of battery systems in vehicles, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and perform optimally. The inclusion of the Battery Management System in the certification process is a critical step in achieving these goals.
Impact for vehicle manufacturers
With the update from CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020 to CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024, vehicle manufacturers need to adapt to the new certification requirements to ensure compliance. Here are the steps they will likely need to take:
- Understand the New Requirements
- Study the Updated Standards: Manufacturers must thoroughly review the new CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024 implementation rules to understand all the new requirements, especially the inclusion of the Battery Management System (BMS).
- Identify Changes: Identify specific changes from the previous standard (CCAP-GZ-3703: 2020) and how they impact the design, production, and testing of vehicle batteries.
- Update Design and Manufacturing Processes
- Integrate BMS Requirements: Ensure that the design and manufacturing processes for vehicle batteries include the necessary provisions for BMS. This includes hardware and software integration that meets the new standards.
- Enhance Safety and Performance Features: Modify battery designs to incorporate enhanced safety and performance features as required by the updated standards.
- Testing and Validation
- Conduct Comprehensive Testing: Perform thorough testing of the battery systems, including BMS, to ensure they meet the new certification requirements. This may involve both in-house testing and third-party validation.
- Use Certified Testing Labs: Utilize certified testing laboratories that are recognized by CCAP to conduct the required tests and provide valid certification results.
- Compliance Documentation
- Prepare Documentation: Compile all necessary documentation, including design specifications, testing protocols, and results, to demonstrate compliance with CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024.
- Submit for Certification: Submit the complete documentation and test results to CCAP for review and certification.
- Training and Education
- Train Staff: Provide training for engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to ensure they understand the new standards and their roles in meeting them.
- Stay Updated: Keep up to date with any further changes in legislation and certification standards to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Supply Chain Management
- Coordinate with Suppliers: Ensure that all suppliers of battery components, including BMS suppliers, are aware of and comply with the updated standards.
- Quality Control: Implement stringent quality control measures to ensure that all supplied components meet the required specifications.
- Customer Communication
- Inform Customers: Communicate with customers about the changes and how they enhance the safety and performance of the vehicle batteries.
- Update Product Information: Update product documentation, marketing materials, and user manuals to reflect the compliance with the new certification standards.
- Ongoing Compliance and Improvement
- Monitor Compliance: Continuously monitor compliance with the new standards through regular audits and inspections.
- Improve Processes: Use feedback from testing and certification processes to continuously improve battery design and manufacturing processes.
- Legal and Regulatory Review
- Legal Compliance: Ensure that all legal and regulatory aspects of the updated standards are understood and adhered to, to avoid any legal issues.
- Consult with Experts: Engage with legal and regulatory experts to navigate any complexities in the updated certification process.
By taking these steps, vehicle manufacturers can ensure that their battery systems are compliant with the new CCAP-GZ-464201: 2024 implementation rules, thereby maintaining market access and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their customers.
Further information
Read the original announcement on CCAP certification of vehicle batteries has revised rules and requirements.
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