QCVN 31:2026/BXD: New regulations on batteries for electric motorcycles and electric mopeds.

The rapid growth of electric vehicles has led to increasingly stringent requirements regarding the quality, technical safety, and operational performance of batteries.

Recently, the Ministry of Construction issued Circular 13/2026/TT-BXD dated April 9, 2026, incorporating QCVN 31:2026/BXD—the National Technical Regulation on batteries used for electric motorcycles and electric mopeds.

This new regulation replaces QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT and takes effect on October 9, 2026.

1. To which products does QCVN 31:2026/BXD apply?

QCVN 31:2026/BXD stipulates technical requirements for new batteries used in electric motorcycles and electric mopeds regarding the following activities:

• Manufacturing;
• Assembly;
• Importation;
• Inspection, testing, and certification in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The scope of application covers domestic manufacturing and assembly facilities, organizations and individuals importing batteries, as well as entities involved in management, inspection, testing, and certification activities.

The regulation addresses various battery types, including:

Lead-acid batteries;

Nickel-metal hydride batteries;

Lithium-ion batteries.

For Lithium-ion and Nickel-metal hydride batteries, the regulation further distinguishes between removable and non-removable types to ensure the application of appropriate requirements.

2. Key technical requirements

QCVN 31:2026/BXD focuses on two major categories of requirements: electrical characteristics and safety characteristics.

Electrical characteristics

Some notable requirements include:

Rated voltage;

Rated capacity (C₃);

High-rate discharge capability (for lead-acid batteries).

For example, the measured capacity must not be less than 90% of the rated capacity for lead-acid batteries, and 100% for Nickel-metal hydride and Lithium-ion batteries.

Safety characteristics

Batteries must meet safety requirements under test conditions such as:

Overcharge;

Over-discharge;

Vibration resistance;

Short circuit;

Water immersion;

Drop test (where applicable).

Following the respective tests, batteries must meet the safety criteria specified in the Regulation—such as not leaking, catching fire, exploding, or rupturing under the prescribed conditions.

Note: Not all tests apply equally to every battery type. The scope of testing depends on the battery type, construction, and product characteristics.

3. Battery testing according to QCVN 31:2026/BXD

Under QCVN 31:2026/BXD, imported, manufactured, or assembled batteries must be inspected, tested, and certified in accordance with regulations regarding technical safety quality and environmental protection for motor vehicle parts.

When registering for testing, enterprises must provide technical documentation and test samples as required by the Regulation.

The technical dossier must include information such as:

Name and address of the manufacturing, assembly, or import facility;

Brand/Trademark;

Model code;

Design designation or product designation;

Battery type; Nominal voltage;

Nominal capacity;

Threshold voltage.

Regarding test samples, the Regulation also specifies the quantity and requirements corresponding to each battery type.

4. What should businesses note when QCVN 31 comes into effect?

From October 9, 2026, QCVN 31:2026/BXD will officially apply, replacing QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT.

Therefore, businesses importing or manufacturing batteries for electric motorcycles and electric mopeds should proactively review the following:

Product → Type/Model → Technical documentation → Test samples → Test items → Inspection/Certification

Accurately identifying the battery type from the outset is also crucial. According to the Regulation, batteries are considered to be of the same type if there are no differences regarding factors such as the manufacturing facility, brand, battery type, design, nominal voltage, and nominal capacity under discharge modes.

5. Interlink Vietnam supports battery testing and certification

For businesses manufacturing, assembling, or importing electric vehicle batteries, early preparation helps minimize issues during the registration for testing, inspection, and product quality certification.

Interlink Vietnam supports businesses by:

– Advising on the scope of application of QCVN 31:2026/BXD;

– Reviewing product information and technical documentation;

– Advising on appropriate test items for each battery type;

– Assisting with test coordination and implementation;

– Advising on inspection and certification procedures;

– Assisting businesses in finalizing conformity assessment documentation.

If your enterprise is preparing to import or manufacture batteries for electric motorcycles or electric mopeds, you should proactively evaluate your products against QCVN 31:2026/BXD before the regulation officially takes effect.