NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 305, ``Electric-powered vehicles: Electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection,'' to adopt various electrical safety requirements in Global Technical Regulation (GTR) No. 13, ``Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.''
To expand the standard's performance requirements beyond post-crash conditions, NHTSA proposes to adopt electrical safety requirements to protect against direct and indirect contact of high voltage sources during everyday operation of electric-powered vehicles. Also, NHTSA proposes to adopt an optional method of meeting post-crash electrical safety requirements consistent with that set forth in GTR No. 13 involving use of physical barriers to prevent direct or indirect contact (by occupants or emergency services personnel) with high voltage sources.
The proposal would facilitate the introduction of new technologies including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 48 volt mild hybrid technologies. It responds not only to GTR No. 13 but also to petitions for rulemaking from Toyota Motor North America Inc. and the Auto Alliance (Alliance).
Comments must be received on or before May 9, 2016.