On April 9, 2026, the Minister of Construction of Vietnam issued Circular No. 13/2026/TT-BXD, publishing the National Technical Regulation (QCVN 31:2026/BXD) on batteries for electric motorcycles and electric light motorcycles. This regulation will formally replace QCVN 91:2024/BGTVT and come into effect on October 9, 2026.
1. Newly Added Content in the New Regulation
1.1 Criteria for Identifying Batteries of the Same Type: It stipulates that whether the manufacturer, trademark, battery type, battery design, rated voltage, and rated capacity at each discharge hour rate (hr) are consistent shall be the criterion for identifying batteries of the same type.
1.2 Definition of Rated Capacity: The rated capacity is defined to distinguish it from the rated capacity (C3).
1.3 Definition of Detachable Battery: It refers to a battery that, according to design, users can easily remove from the vehicle for external charging.
1.4 Requirements for the Solution Used in Immersion Test: It shall be a 3.5% to 5.0% sodium chloride brine solution.
1.5 Requirements for Trademark Marking: It stipulates that the trademark or brand name must be marked on the battery.
2. Updated Content in the New Regulation
2.1 Marking Requirements: The marking on the battery must indicate the rated voltage and the rated capacity at 3-hour rate.
2.2 Change in Threshold Voltage Definition: The definition of threshold voltage has been changed. It stipulates that the threshold voltage value for each single-cell working unit (n) of lead-acid batteries is 1.75 (V); the threshold voltage value for lithium-ion batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries shall be specified by the manufacturer.
2.3 Charging Process Requirements: It stipulates that a fully charged battery shall be discharged at a discharge current of I3 (A) until the threshold voltage is reached, and then fully charged according to the charging process specified by the manufacturer.
2.4 Cancellation of Environmental Condition Requirements: The temperature, humidity, and air pressure of the test environment are no longer required.
3. Transition Arrangement Between the Old and New Regulations
3.1 Continuing Execution of Accepted Files: Test and certification files that have been accepted before the effective date of the new regulation shall continue to be inspected, tested, and certified in accordance with the provisions in effect when the files were accepted.
3.2 Test Reports Issued Continue to Be Valid: Test reports issued before the effective date of the new regulation may continue to be used for technical safety, quality, and environmental certification.
4. Compliance Recommendations for Enterprises
It is recommended that enterprises produce products in a timely manner in accordance with the requirements of the new regulation, consult professional service institutions, clarify certification requirements and precautions, and ensure a smooth completion of compliance conversion during the transition period. Wanve (WANVE), as a professional technical service institution, can provide enterprises with one-stop full compliance services for exports!
