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China's New GB Standard for EV Coolants

Dober received a passing result after testing of our EV-LC coolant in accordance with China's newest GB standard for electric vehicle coolants. 

But what is the GB standard and why does it matter?

China GB standards — or GuoBiao, meaning "national standard" — provide a standardization framework for all products in the country, from food safety to battery electric vehicles. The standards cover all products sold and produced in the country, including those exported to China. Dober meets GB29743.2 specs for EV coolant

In short, any company looking to sell products into the Chinese market has to meet the relevant GB standards in order to be successful. 

Let's briefly summarize:

  1. What the China's GB standard for electric vehicle coolants includes
  2. Why it's important 
  3. The ever-evolving regulatory landscape for next-generation coolants. 

Why Are GB Standards Important for Electric Vehicle Coolants?

As the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) market, China plays a pivotal role in shaping global EV standards and regulations.

EV sales in China continue to outpace the rest of the world. However, that does mean China is at the forefront of regulation and government support of the EV ecosystem (vehicles, infrastructure, regulation, etc.). 

The chart below from the International Energy Agency shows electric vehicle sales by region from 2021-2024, showing a steady uptick in global EV sales, powered in large part by the Chinese market (indicated by the reddish-orange bars): 

IEA chart showing global EV sales from 2021-2024

Source: IEA. Electric vehicle sales by quarter (legend: red-orange=China, blue=Europe, green=U.S., gray=rest of world)

That means China has and will likely continue to have a significant role in shaping the future of regulatory standards for next-generation vehicles. It is entirely possible that China's standards for electric vehicle coolants could become adopted by the rest of the world. 

The GB standard draft for EV coolants, GB29743.2, which is expected to receive final approval in 2025, aims to standardize coolants to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of EV batteries and components. In short, it's a critical standard featuring rigorous testing that coolant manufacturers have to pass to thrive in the Chinese market.

Basics of the GB Standard for EV Coolants

EV coolants play a vital role in maintaining optimal battery performance by regulating temperature and preventing overheating. They also ensure the durability of components exposed to extreme conditions, such as rapid charging and harsh climates.

China’s GB standard sets rigorous requirements for thermal stability, conductivity, and environmental safety. Failing to meet these standards can result in suboptimal battery performance, safety risks, and, more critically, non-compliance penalties that could jeopardize a company’s market access.

For manufacturers and suppliers, passing the GB test is not just a regulatory necessity: it’s a strategic imperative. It demonstrates a commitment to quality, fosters consumer trust, and opens doors to collaborations with local automakers. 

As global EV adoption accelerates, ensuring GB compliance provides a competitive edge for businesses looking to solidify their foothold in China. Companies that invest in meeting these standards are better positioned to navigate regulatory landscapes, meet consumer expectations, and contribute to the future of clean transportation. In an era of rapid technological advancement, achieving GB certification can serve as a gateway to success in what is currently the world’s most dynamic EV market.

As it comes to EV coolants, GB29743.2 covers a wide variety of coolant characteristics, including: 

  • Electrical conductivity
  • Stability
  • pH
  • Corrosion

The above is not an exhaustive list, as the standard includes testing of a number of other important coolant characteristics. Pursuant to the standard, coolant manufacturers submit a sample to be tested under the auspices of China's Ministry of Transport. 

For additional reading on the above characteristics most important for battery electric vehicle coolants, check out our e-book on battery electric vehicle coolants. 

The Future of EV Coolant Regulation

Relative to the legacy internal combustion engine, the battery electric vehicle market is still in its early days.

EV adoption in China, the world's largest automotive market, has been strong. Meanwhile, in many of the world's largest economies, electric vehicle sales still trail those of their ICE predecessors (and are well behind China's EV sales). According to Reuters, sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by 25% in 2024, in large part powered by China. 

However, sales are growing, meaning further attention on these vehicles and the safety concerns that come with them, namely battery fires as a result of a faulty coolant or coolant delivery system within the vehicle. 

What that means for coolant manufacturers is they will need to be agile and quick to adjust to rapidly changing standards in order to remain competitive, both in China and the rest of the world. In short, coolant manufacturers looking to do business in China need to be keenly aware of China's GB standard for electric vehicle coolants. 

As mentioned, regulatory changes are of course happening elsewhere, too. 

As we noted last year, ASTM in 2023 published ASTM D8485, a new standard for glassware corrosion testing of electric vehicle coolants.

The bottom line is, no matter where your company is based, a rapidly changing regulatory landscape will continue to need to be a key focus of any coolant market strategy. 

Download Our E-Book on Electric Vehicle Coolants