China readies 5-second EV acceleration rule to save lives

While Elon Musk is preparing to demonstrate a Roadster 2 with sub-second acceleration, China is mulling how to restrict all that torque and power that electric vehicles bring to the table.

Chinese regulators tried to dispel the rumor that they will limit all new electric cars to mundane ICE vehicle 0-60 mph acceleration of at least five seconds, saying that the wording in their draft legislation proposal has been misconstrued.

They did confirm, however, that a 5-second acceleration rule may become mandatory, but only as the default setting upon initial EV start. The setting can subsequently be changed, they advised, so that the driver could unleash all the power that their electric car has to offer if they need it.

The goal is to lower the amount of accidents and fatalities caused by inexperienced drivers who are not used to the amount of torque that electric vehicles send to the wheels and lose control upon initial acceleration. There are plenty of electric cars with 0-60 mph acceleration of under five seconds. Some affordable EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Performance can even hit it in under three seconds, while the Model S can do it in two.

These acceleration capabilities are dangerously close to the numbers that ICE supercars can deliver, just for a fraction of their cost, making performance electric vehicles within reach for many a regular driver who don't have the skills to handle them.

The other proposals in the EV legislation include steps to prevent pressing the wrong pedal, turning media off at higher speeds, and higher battery safety standards. The draft is still in the public discussion stage, and could become the first piece of regulation that limits the power output of electric vehicles, at least from a standstill.

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