UN R136 — 01 series of amendments

Paragraph 1.1. now says “equipped with an electric power train” instead of “equipped with one or more traction motor(s) operated by electric power”. A new sentence excludes from Part I high-voltage components and systems not galvanically connected to the high voltage bus of the electric power train. New definitions include “Specific voltage condition” (2.47.), “Thermal runaway” (2.51.), “Thermal propagation” (2.52.) and “Venting” (2.57.). The definitions of “Barrier”, “Protection degree” and “Subsystem” are deleted. New definitions cover “Electrical protection barrier”, “Protection degree IPXXB”, “Protection degree IPXXD” and “REESS subsystem”. Many existing definitions have new numbers; for example, former paragraph 2.3. is now paragraph 2.5.

New paragraph 5.1.4. requires the vehicles to maintain isolation resistance after exposure to water, for example washing or driving through standing water. It does not apply where the DC part of galvanically connected circuits is connected to the electrical chassis and the specific voltage condition is fulfilled. The vehicle manufacturer can choose to comply with paragraph 5.1.4.2., 5.1.4.3. or 5.1.4.4. Paragraph 5.1.4.2. uses evidence and/or documentation to Annex 7A, and paragraph 5.1.4.3. uses the Annex 7B test procedures and Annex 5A isolation resistance tests. Fuel cell vehicles need on-board isolation resistance monitoring on DC high voltage buses, with a driver warning if isolation resistance drops below 100 Ω/V. A maximum resistance of 0.2 Ω now applies between any two simultaneously reachable exposed conductive parts of electrical protection barriers less than 2.5 m apart.

Under paragraph 5.2.5., the vehicle must warn the driver in active driving possible mode in the event specified in paragraphs 6.13. to 6.15., if applicable. Under paragraph 5.2.6., pure electric vehicles must give a warning to the driver in the event of low REESS state of charge. The manufacturer determines the necessary level of REESS energy remaining when the warning is first provided, based on engineering judgment. Paragraph 5.3. is now “Preventing accidental or unintended vehicle movement” instead of “Functional safety”. Paragraph 5.3.1. requires at least a momentary indication each time the vehicle is first placed in “active driving possible mode” after activation of the propulsion system. Before, the indication was required when the vehicle was in “active driving possible mode”.

New paragraphs 6.10. to 6.15. cover overcurrent protection, low-temperature protection, management of gases emitted from REESS, two REESS warnings and thermal propagation. The overcurrent test (Annex 9J) is required for REESS intended for use on vehicles that have the capability of charging by DC external electricity supply. The thermal propagation test of paragraph 6.15. applies for vehicles with a passenger compartment only. Several REESS tests now require no evidence of venting for REESS other than open-type traction battery. The evidence of REESS venting is verified only for vehicles with a passenger compartment. A REESS that passes the vibration test in all three mutually perpendicular X, Y and Z directions may be mounted in any orientation.

Paragraph 4.2. now says that approval numbers are assigned in accordance with Schedule 4 of the Agreement (E/ECE/TRANS/505/Rev.3 and Amend.1). Paragraph 7.1. now sets the “Revision” (7.1.1.) and “Extension” (7.1.2.) procedures, and former paragraphs 7.2. and 7.3. are deleted. The conformity of production procedure must now comply with Schedule 1 of the Agreement, and paragraphs 8.3. to 8.4.5. are deleted. Paragraphs 3.2.1., 4.4. and 4.4.3. no longer refer to a “separate technical unit” for the REESS. Annex 1 – Part 2 adds items on removable REESS, mounting in any orientation and REESS intended only for vehicles without passenger compartment. The approval marks in Annex 2 now show approval number 012492 and the 01 series of amendments.

New paragraph 12. adds transitional provisions for the 01 series of amendments. From the 01 series’ official date of entry into force, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation must not refuse to grant or accept its approvals. As from 1 September 2025, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation need not accept approvals to the preceding series first issued after 1 September 2025. Until 1 September 2027, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation must accept approvals to the preceding series first issued before 1 September 2025. As from 1 September 2027, Contracting Parties applying this Regulation need not accept approvals issued to the preceding series. Contracting Parties applying this Regulation may grant approvals to any preceding series and must continue to grant extensions of existing approvals to any preceding series.

New Annex 4 gives test methods for the verification of potential equalization. Former Annexes 4A and 4B are now Annexes 5A and 5B, and former Annex 5 is now Annex 6. New Annex 7A covers document based isolation resistance compliance after water exposure, and new Annex 7B the vehicle-based test procedure for protection against water effects. Former Annexes 7 and 8 are now Annexes 8 and 9, and former Annexes 8A to 8I are now Annexes 9A to 9I. New Annex 9J gives the over-current protection test, and former Annexes 9A and 9B are now Annexes 10A and 10B. In the Annex 9A vibration test, the SOC is now adjusted in accordance with new Annex 9, Appendix 2, “Procedure for SOC adjustment”.