China Unveils 2027 Premium Drive Protocol for Electric Motor Validation

China Automotive Technology and Research Center New Energy (CATARC New Energy) released the 2027 edition of the Premium Drive high-quality electric drive technology verification protocol on September 29, raising benchmarks across power density, energy efficiency and electromagnetic safety.

The updated standard refines evaluation indicators, test procedures and application requirements across five dimensions: power performance, energy efficiency, powertrain safety, electromagnetic compatibility and noise quality. It is built on accumulated real-world test data and industry practice.

Higher power density targets

The new protocol raises the specific power requirement from 2.5 kW/kg to 3.0 kW/kg and the wheel-end specific torque from 45 N·m/kg to 55 N·m/kg. The high-power sustained output interval was extended from seven to eight operating zones, pushing manufacturers to demonstrate both peak output and sustained performance across a broader speed range.

The shift moves evaluation beyond single-parameter peak figures toward a combined assessment of output density and continuous delivery capability.

CLTC efficiency becomes the benchmark

The previous standard focused on steady-state efficiency map coverage — the so-called dual-85 approach. The 2027 version pivots to CLTC cycle efficiency, better reflecting real driving conditions.

Under the new rules, Si-based electric drive systems must achieve at least 90 percent CLTC efficiency, while SiC and next-generation semiconductor drives must reach 92 percent.

Safety tests streamlined with new torque scenarios

Powertrain safety testing was reorganized from 39 items down to 32, removing ten overlapping or low-applicability tests while adding three non-intended torque scenarios: excessive unintended torque output, reverse unintended torque and unintended torque generation with zero torque request.

Stricter electromagnetic protection

The minimum human electromagnetic protection margin was raised from 6 dB to 9 dB. AM/FM band radiated emissions requirements were tightened to Level 5, with other bands remaining at Level 3. A new 100 V/m reverberation chamber immunity test was added to evaluate communication and functional stability under external electromagnetic interference.

Noise quality standards maintained

The protocol retains its existing noise quality evaluation framework, measuring loudness, sharpness, tone-noise ratio and prominence ratio under uniform test conditions to enable consistent product comparison.

"Let technological progress have a basis, let product value be seen," CATARC New Energy said in a statement.

The organization plans to expand a "test-plus" service model that couples validation data with technical analysis, industry exchange and consumer-facing communication to help manufacturers articulate product differentiation and help the public understand performance improvements.