December 2025: Major Automotive Standards Released for Battery Safety, LNG Systems, and Caravans

In December 2025, the field of Automotive and Road Vehicles sees the introduction of five pivotal international standards. These new publications—spanning electric vehicle battery safety, liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems, and caravan habitation health and safety—set a new benchmark for quality, compliance, and innovation across the automotive sector.

Industry professionals, engineers, compliance managers, and manufacturers will need to adapt to these robust requirements to ensure continued safety, regulatory alignment, and market competitiveness. This article, part one of a two-part overview, unpacks the technical requirements and industry implications for all five new standards covered this month.

Overview

The Automotive and Road Vehicles industry (ICS 43) operates in a landscape defined by rapid technological change, stringent safety demands, and evolving regulatory pressures. International standards play a foundational role in:

• Ensuring global interoperability and product safety
• Harmonizing best practices for manufacturers, suppliers, and testing labs
• Protecting end-users and communities by reducing risks associated with new vehicle and fuel technologies

In this summary, you’ll gain insight into the scope, technical content, and industry impact of the latest December 2025 standards. Professionals will benefit from understanding both the strategic and practical facets—whether you’re designing lithium-ion battery systems for electric motorcycles or ensuring LNG systems in trucks meet global safety expectations.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 18243:2025 - Electrically Propelled Mopeds and Motorcycles Battery Systems

Electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles – Test specifications and safety requirements for lithium-ion battery systems (ISO 18243:2025)

The EN ISO 18243:2025 standard provides comprehensive test specifications and safety requirements for lithium-ion battery packs and systems used in electric mopeds and motorcycles. The document includes a modular set of test procedures to assess overall performance and safety traits—covering mechanical, chemical, electrical, and simulated accident scenarios. Manufacturers, suppliers, and testing organizations can use the standard to benchmark products, develop or refine test plans, and align with both customer and regulatory expectations.

Key requirements include:

• General safety evaluations (leakage, rupture, fire, explosion, isolation resistance)
• Mechanical shock, vibration, and drop resistance
• Climatic testing (thermal shock, dewing, salt spray)
• Functional safety (overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, overheating, and low-temperature protections)
• Simulated accident testing (immersion, exposure to fire)

Compliant parties:

• Manufacturers of electric mopeds, motorcycles, and their battery systems
• Lithium-ion battery pack suppliers and integrators for the two-wheeler market
• Testing and certification labs

Implementation implications:

• Enables dedicated test plans and customer-supplier agreements
• Provides a harmonized framework for performance comparison
• Aligns with cell-level tests in the IEC 62660 series

Key highlights:

• Modular test plan configuration for custom needs
• Coverage of both performance and safety metrics
• Cross-reference to other battery safety standards

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 18243:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18243:2025 - Electrically Propelled Mopeds and Motorcycles Battery Systems

Electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles – Test specifications and safety requirements for lithium-ion battery systems

This ISO standard is essentially the international counterpart to the EN ISO 18243:2025 and is recognized worldwide. As such, it sets the baseline for manufacturers, suppliers, and testing bodies operating beyond the European region, ensuring robust global harmonization of lithium-ion battery system assessment for electrically propelled mopeds and motorcycles.

The standard prescribes:

• Test specifications covering mechanical integrity, electrical safety, and climate resilience
• Safety requirements for short-circuit protection, isolation resistance, and functional system checks
• Flexible test sequence plans that can adapt based on specific manufacturer-customer needs

Compliance audience:

• OEMs and suppliers serving global markets
• Certification and safety assessment organizations
• Regulatory bodies overseeing EV safety

Implementation insights:

• Aligned with IEC 62660 cell-level testing
• Provides structure for global product launches and regulatory approvals

Key highlights:

• Enables direct benchmarking across international markets
• Supports rapid regulatory compliance globally
• Comprehensive coverage from safety to performance testing

Access the full standard:View ISO 18243:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 19723-1:2025 - LNG Fuel Systems Part 1: Safety Requirements

Road vehicles – Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems – Part 1: Safety requirements

ISO 19723-1:2025 specifies the minimum safety requirements for on-board LNG fuel systems used in a wide range of motor vehicles according to international definitions (ISO 3833 series). This includes mono-fuel, bi-fuel, and dual-fuel applications and is applicable to both newly manufactured and converted vehicles.

Key scope items and requirements:

• Applies to LNG components (tanks, valves, flexible lines) from the LNG tank through to the vaporizer
• Design parameters include pressure, corrosion protection, component accessibility, and avoidance of electrical hazards
• Explicit requirements for refueling safety, tank mounting, venting, and protection from ignition or impact
• Excludes installer/converter skill-level assessment

Target stakeholders:

• Heavy-duty truck and bus OEMs
• LNG system integrators and component manufacturers
• Fleet operators and commercial vehicle upfitters
• Testing/certification bodies

Notable changes from previous edition:

• Updated normative references
• New provisions for electronic control units (ECU)
• Enhanced minimum clearances for components
• Stricter requirements for vent line closures

Practical implications:

• Clear delineation between LNG and CNG system requirements
• Ensures higher baseline for operational user safety and fuel system reliability

Key highlights:

• Covers both OEM and converted vehicles
• Includes updated electronic safety measures
• Addresses venting and thermal protection in greater detail

Access the full standard:View ISO 19723-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 19723-2:2025 - LNG Fuel Systems Part 2: Test Methods

Road vehicles – Liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel systems – Part 2: Test methods

As the companion to ISO 19723-1, this standard details the general and performance testing requirements for LNG system components in automotive applications. All test methods are constructed to verify compliance with the safety requirements previously defined.

Coverage includes:

• Strength and mounting tests for LNG tanks and system assemblies
• Leak testing and hold time evaluation
• Functional testing of automatic valves, receptacles, and venting systems
• Specialized procedures for bonfire tests and system marking

Who should comply:

• Component and vehicle manufacturers
• System integrators and conversion specialists
• Testing labs specializing in alternative fuel vehicle systems

Practical impact:

• Establishes robust process for component approval and field reliability
• Verifies effectiveness of design for safety-critical operational scenarios
• Includes best practice guidelines in informative annexes

Key highlights:

• Reworked and clarified test procedures for enhanced safety
• Detailed mounting and installation test protocols
• Informs marking protocols for traceability and compliance

Access the full standard:View ISO 19723-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 1645-1:2025 - Caravans: Habitation Health and Safety Requirements

Leisure accommodation vehicles – Caravans – Part 1: Habitation requirements relating to health and safety

This European Standard sets out the health and safety requirements for the use of rigid and rigid folding caravans as accommodation, focusing on the protection of occupants during temporary or seasonal habitation. Notably, it does not address road safety aspects (handled by other standards) but ensures that internal living and safety conditions meet pan-European expectations.

Critical coverage points:

• Design and construction standards for structural rigidity, stabilization, access steps, doors, and bunks
• Requirements for the installation of internal equipment, drinking water supply and waste, electrical and gas installations, and ventilation
• Detailed fire safety precautions, including means of escape and fire protection for combustible elements
• User information (warning notices and handbooks)
• Updated requirements for larger plan area caravans, escape paths, and amendments aligned to the latest health and safety research

Relevant to:

• Caravan and leisure vehicle manufacturers
• Quality, compliance, and product safety managers
• Certification authorities and market surveillance bodies

Significant updates:

• Expanded coverage for large caravans (>6.5m²)
• Enhanced fire escape, rigidity, and step strength provisions
• Amendments for clarity, usability, and risk reduction in daily use

Key highlights:

• Includes comprehensive internal safety provisions
• Recent amendments boost practical occupant protection
• CEN-wide harmonization for touring caravans

Access the full standard:View EN 1645-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The December 2025 suite of standards delivers far-reaching implications for every segment of the Automotive and Road Vehicles industry:

• OEMs, component suppliers, and conversion specialists must update test protocols, design documentation, and compliance processes
• Businesses will benefit from a harmonized approach to battery safety, alternative fuel system integrity, and habitation safety, enabling access to new markets and regulatory certifications
• Failure to comply can result in regulatory penalties, market exclusion, increased recall risk, and reputational harm

Compliance Considerations

• Transition planning is crucial, as new requirements may become mandatory on short timelines—review all design and product lines now
• Certification and testing partners should upgrade their processes and auditing tools to reflect new standards
• Training and communication are key—ensure all engineering, production, and quality staff are briefed on updated protocols

Benefits of Adoption

• Enhanced safety for operators, passengers, and consumers
• Increased market confidence and reduced incidents/recalls
• Streamlined approvals and interoperability across international markets

Technical Insights

Common Themes Across the New Standards

• Risk-based testing: All standards require verification under simulated fault conditions (e.g., immersion, fire, overload)
• Robust documentation and traceability: Marking, user instructions, and record-keeping are essential for compliance
• Environmental and operational fitness: Real-world scenarios such as extreme climate and vibration are explicitly covered

Best Practices for Implementation

1. Start with a gap assessment: Align your product or process with each standard’s new definitions and requirements
2. Choose a certified third-party lab for critical performance and safety testing
3. Integrate new test protocols into design validation, routine screening, and regulatory submission workflows
4. Keep thorough records of test results, calibration, and compliance assessments
5. Update your user manuals, markings, and warning labels per the latest provisions

Testing & Certification Considerations

• Use the latest test benches and simulation protocols as specified (thermal, mechanical, electrical, simulated accidents)
• Where applicable, conduct cell-level tests (IEC 62660) and system-level evaluations
• Ensure conformance documentation is updated and readily available for regulatory review

Conclusion & Next Steps

The December 2025 release of these five new international standards marks a significant leap forward for safety, quality, and innovation within the Automotive and Road Vehicles sector. Organizations should act promptly:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of current policies, procedures, and product designs against the new standards
• Engage with testing and certification bodies early to ensure timely compliance
• Invest in training and internal communication for all relevant technical and compliance staff
• Visit iTeh Standards for authoritative access to the full texts, supplementary guidance, and ongoing updates

Staying at the forefront of regulatory evolution not only minimizes risk but also demonstrates marketplace leadership. For further information—and to ensure your team has the most up-to-date reference materials—review the standards directly at iTeh Standards and monitor for part two of this coverage coming soon.