China has proposed new safety regulations for electric vehicles, raising concerns over the growing use of “zero-gravity” seats and other advanced vehicle features as authorities tighten oversight of the rapidly expanding EV industry.
The draft rules, issued by China’s industry ministry on Tuesday, warn that passenger safety may be compromised when zero-gravity seats are placed in semi-reclined positions during collisions, Reuters reported.
These seats, which allow backrests to recline at steep angles for added comfort, have become increasingly popular in electric vehicles alongside the rise of intelligent cockpit technologies.
In a statement accompanying the draft regulations, the ministry said occupant safety could not be fully guaranteed in crash situations when such seats are heavily reclined.
The proposed rules cover vehicle seats, head restraints and battery recycling processes, including the dismantling and crushing of used power batteries. Authorities have invited public feedback on the draft regulations until July 25.
The move comes as Chinese regulators intensify their focus on electric vehicle safety following several fatal accidents last year involving SU7 sedans produced by Xiaomi, one of the country’s high-profile entrants into the EV sector.
China has already announced stricter measures for vehicle design this year, including a requirement that “hidden” car door handles responding to key fobs, mobile phones or manual pressure will be banned from 2027 onward.
The latest draft rules signal growing regulatory attention on passenger safety as automakers continue introducing advanced comfort and smart technology features in electric vehicles.
