On March 10, 2016, NHTSA published an NPRM in the Federal Register that proposes to amend FMVSS 305 for purposes of adopting various electrical safety requirements in GTR No. 13, “Hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles.” With the NPRM, 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. NHTSA also 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. Importantly, the NPRM would also facilitate the introduction of new technologies including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 48 volt mild hybrid technologies. The NPRM is in response to petitions filed both by the Alliance and Toyota.
NHTSA is proposing that compliance with the requirements would be mandatory 180 days after the date of publication of the final rule. Optional early compliance is proposed.
Comments on the NPRM are due May 9, 2016.
NHTSA contacts: William J. Sanchez, Office of Crashworthiness Standards (telephone: 202-493-0248). Deirdre Fujita, Office of Chief Counsel (telephone: 202-366-2992).
Docket ref: NHTSA-2016-0029