The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) today adopted a new version of the UNECE Regulation 100, introducing universal safety standards through type approval requirements for all types of electric and hybrid vehicles.
The newly adopted UNECE Regulation covers all types of electric vehicles: pure electric, hybrid, plug-in, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Adhering to standards under type approved routes is a critical government criterion as it directly addresses safety issues and ensures reliability. A key requirement of the new Regulation is that vehicles must provide users with effective protection against electric shocks.
The change to the Regulation reflects the growing interest of both manufacturers and motorists for electric and hybrid vehicles and the potential safety issues with the new technology. Government recently announced its Plug-In Car Grant, through which motorists are entitled to a discount of up to £5,000 towards the purchase of an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In order for a car to be eligible under the programme, manufacturers must meet performance and safety type approval criteria set out by the European Commission in addition to confirming the assessment of any risks associated with the use of the vehicles.
Click here for the SMMT European and National Type Approval Guide (SENTA). SENTA is designed to ease vehicle manufacturers and bodybuilders through the complicated European Community whole vehicle type approval system.
