The broad definition of low-speed electric vehicles can include electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric tricycles, low-speed electric vehicles, and so on. The low-speed electric vehicle referred to in the general industry is a simple four wheel pure electric vehicle with a speed of less than 70km/h and a price range of 4000 to 50000 yuan. Its appearance, structure, and performance are similar to those of fuel powered vehicles.

There is currently a significant controversy over the definition and management of low-speed electric vehicles. For a long time, the functions of low-speed electric vehicles have been limited to elderly commuting and short distance transportation, and cannot apply for automotive insurance, let alone a driver's license, which is outside of national industrial policies and industry standards. Widely criticized for occupying roads and non-standard use, as well as posing safety hazards due to low prices and relatively rough manufacturing techniques.

In October 2016, the national standard "Technical Conditions for Four Wheel Low Speed Electric Passenger Vehicles" was officially approved. The development cycle of this project is 24 months, and it is expected that the technical standard for low-speed electric vehicles will be officially implemented by the end of 2018. Dong Yang, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, is the leader of the national standard drafting group.

How to establish standards for low-speed electric vehicles may be the most complex and difficult issue in the current Chinese automotive industry, "Dong Yang wrote. In his view, the difficulty in formulating the national standard for low-speed electric vehicles lies not in technology but in the game of interests among all parties, especially those involving the interests of local governments. He stated that in response to the actual development of low-speed electric vehicles in China, defining them as vehicles smaller in size and at a speed lower than ordinary cars is the only feasible approach. In terms of management, reference should be made to Japan's light four wheeled vehicles and China's current agricultural vehicle management. In addition, in terms of safety, collision requirements for the front and side of the vehicle should be included.

In late September of this year, the draft national standard was released through unofficial channels. Dong Yang stated that the draft is close to the draft standards being developed. According to the draft online transmission, the production standards for four-wheel low-speed electric vehicles are: in terms of overall dimensions, the length, width, and height of the vehicle are below 3500mm, 1500mm, and 1700mm respectively; The vehicle speed shall be between 40 and 70km/h, and the total vehicle mass shall not exceed 750Kg; The mass of the power battery shall not exceed 30% of the total vehicle mass. In terms of safety, the draft requires the use of lithium batteries, supporting battery packs, and battery management systems for power batteries; The collision standard must meet the requirements of GB11551 "Occupant Protection in Frontal Crashes of Vehicles", GB20071 "Occupant Protection in Side Crashes of Vehicles", and GB/T31498 "Safety Requirements for Electric Vehicles After Collisions" for general passenger cars.

The draft standard was questioned by Yang Yusheng, an academician of the CAE Member. Yang Yusheng believes that the proposed requirements for collision standards and battery adaptation in the draft standard are too high, which will put enormous production pressure on small manufacturing enterprises and hinder the market from fully utilizing flexibility and creativity. In Dong Yang's view, "China's rapid development of motor vehicles and the inability to keep up with the current level of road construction, traffic management, and urban planning are the main contradictions. Developing transportation in rural and impoverished areas is a secondary contradiction, and the interests of industries and enterprises are even more secondary