New ADR’s proposed for BEV and FCEV

The Australian Government has released two proposed Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for consultation relating to the safety of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen-Fuelled Cell Vehicles (HFCVs).

They are:

• ADR 109/00 – Electric Power Train Safety Requirements [PDF] [Explanatory statement]
• ADR 110/00 – Hydrogen-Fuelled Vehicle Safety Related Performance [PDF] [Explanatory statement]

The ADRs are applicable to all Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) of vehicle categories MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, NA, NB and NC.

They address safety issues in areas of high voltage as well as the high-pressure storage systems associated with hydrogen fuel systems.

The purpose is to ensure the safety of the vehicle, including protection for occupants, first responders and the wider community. ADRs 109/00 and ADR 110/00 harmonise with the relevant international standards, UN Regulations No. 100 and UN Regulations No. 134 respectively.

The proposed applicability dates are:

• 1st November 2023 for all new model vehicles
• 1st November 2024 for all vehicles

New ADRs for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hydrogen-Fuelled Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) propulsion systems technology have been prioritised due to strong advocacy by industry and other stakeholders.

The Office of Impact Analysis has assessed the introduction of these ADRs as unlikely to have more than minor regulatory impact.

Therefore, no impact assessment has been prepared and the consultation is limited to the relevant ADRs and associated Explanatory Statements.

These instruments (download via the links above) are open for public comment from 1 February 2023 for an 8-week period.

Members are requested to provide any feedback by COB 27 March 2023.

Please submit any questions or comments to g.forbes@hvia.asn.au