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Quick diff — GB 38031-2020 to 2025

Source: preface change list, GB 38031-2025 (PDF pages 5–6). Grouping is editorial; clause numbers follow the 2025 edition. "2020 Edition X.Y" is the preface's own cross-reference back to the prior version.

Scope

The scope has been modified (see Chapter 1, 2020 Edition, Chapter 1).

New tests

New clause Test Pair (requirement / method)
5.1.7 / 8.1.8 Safety after fast-charge cycles (cell) both new
5.2.16 / 8.2.16 Bottom impact (pack/system/vehicle) both new

See newly added tests.

Definitions added or revised

Clause Definition Status
3.5 Battery subsystem added
3.14 (was 3.13 in 2020) Leakage revised
3.15 Thermal event added

The new "battery subsystem" definition pairs with clause 6.1.6. The new "thermal event" definition supports the alarm-signal language in 5.2.7 / Appendix C.

Cell test method changes

The test method for over-discharge of battery cells has been revised (see 8.1.2, 2020 Edition 8.1.2). The test method for heating of battery cells has been revised (see 8.1.5, 2020 Edition 8.1.5). The test method for compression of battery cells has been revised (see 8.1.7, 2020 Edition 8.1.7).

Clause Test Delta
8.1.2 Over-discharge method
8.1.5 Heating method
8.1.7 Compression method

The 2020 → 2025 cell-level requirements (5.1.x) were not revised in the preface change list — only the test methods.

See tests with methodology changes.

Pack/system requirement changes (5.2.x)

Listed in the preface as "safety requirements … have been revised":

Clause Test
5.2.1 Vibration
5.2.2 Mechanical shock
5.2.3 Simulated collision
5.2.4 Compression
5.2.5 Damp heat cycling
5.2.6 Immersion
5.2.7 Thermal stability — both external fire and thermal propagation
5.2.8 Temperature shock
5.2.9 Salt fog
5.2.10 High altitude
5.2.11 Over-temperature protection
5.2.12 Over-current protection
5.2.13 External short-circuit protection
5.2.14 Overcharge protection
5.2.15 Over-discharge protection

See tests that got stricter. The 5.2.7 change is the largest engineering shift — pack-level "no fire, no explosion" plus a 5-minute warning signal.

Pack/system method changes (8.2.x)

Listed in the preface as "test methods … have been revised":

Clause Test
8.2.1 Vibration
8.2.4 Compression
8.2.7 + Appendix C Thermal stability (external fire + thermal propagation)
8.2.8 Temperature shock
8.2.9 Salt fog
8.2.10 High altitude
8.2.11 Over-temperature protection
8.2.12 Over-current protection
8.2.14 Overcharge protection

See tests with methodology changes.

Cross-cutting test conditions (Section 6, Section 7)

Clause What changed
6.1.9 Actual capacity requirement revised
6.2 Instrument accuracy revised
6.3 Process error revised
6.4 Data recording and interval revised
7.1.2 Cell pre-treatment revised
7.2.2 Pack/system pre-treatment revised

See test environment and pre-treatment cycles.

Insulation resistance

The test method for insulation resistance of battery packs or systems has been revised (see Appendix B, 2020 Edition Appendix B).

See insulation resistance procedure.

New chapter

A determination of the same type has been added (see Chapter 9).

See same type determination and Table 7 retesting matrix.

Source

Preface, GB 38031-2025 (PDF pages 5–6).