New EU Requirements for Electric Vehicle Batteries and Brakes: What Changes in 2026

Key data

Electric vehicle manufacturers selling in Europe have a new technical framework to comply with. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1753, published on 24 September 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on vehicle homologation and introduces specific requirements in four areas that until now were not regulated with this level of detail. It is not a soft transition rule: it requires changes in product design and certification processes.

In addition to technical requirements, the regulation updates the list of United Nations Regulations recognized as equivalent in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which directly affects the alternative homologation processes available to manufacturers.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation acts on four differentiated technical areas within the vehicle homologation framework. All details are set out below:

Additionally, the regulation updates the list of United Nations Regulations recognized as equivalent in Part II of Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/858. This means that manufacturers using certain UN standards as an alternative homologation route must verify whether those standards remain valid under the new framework.

Economic and operational impact

The regulation does not set fines or specific amounts, but its economic consequences are direct and significant for the affected parties:

• Higher R&D costs: Manufacturers will need to redesign or revalidate key components (batteries, brake systems, power management) to comply with the new technical standards.
• Additional homologation costs: Each regulated area requires new tests and certifications before European homologation authorities. This implies additional time and resources per model and variant.
• Review of alternative homologation strategy: The update to the list of recognized UN Regulations may invalidate homologation routes that some manufacturers already used, forcing them to initiate new processes.
• Impact on special vehicles: This segment, typically with short series and tight margins, assumes the same requirements as unlimited series manufacturers, which can disproportionately increase the certification process cost.

The impact is particularly relevant for manufacturers operating in northern and central European markets, where cold-weather range is a critical commercial argument and where new requirements can become a competitive advantage if met in advance.

Who does it affect?

• Electric vehicle manufacturers that market models in the European market, both unlimited series and limited production.
• Special vehicle manufacturers (ambulances, emergency vehicles, adapted vehicles, etc.) that must comply with the same four blocks of requirements.
• National and European homologation authorities, which must apply the new criteria in their evaluation and certification processes.
• R&D and homologation departments of automotive groups with presence in Europe, which must review their technical roadmaps.
• Battery and brake system suppliers that supply components to manufacturers subject to this regulation.

Practical example

A European electric vehicle manufacturer that currently has three models homologated under Regulation (EU) 2018/858 must now verify whether those models comply with the four new blocks of requirements of Delegated Regulation 2026/1753.

Suppose one of those models uses a conventional brake system whose particle emissions have not been measured or certified under the new standards. The manufacturer will need to submit that model to new brake particle emission tests, update the technical documentation and obtain validation from the corresponding homologation authority before the regulation becomes enforceable.

If, in addition, that manufacturer used a specific United Nations Regulation as an alternative homologation route for the European market, it must check whether that standard still appears in the updated list of Annex II. If it has been removed or modified, it will need to initiate a homologation process under the direct criteria of the European regulation, with the costs and timelines that entails.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current models: Review which electric and special vehicles are in production or in the homologation phase and verify whether they comply with the four new blocks of requirements (batteries, brakes, power, cold-weather range).
2. Review the updated list of UN Regulations: Check whether the UN standards used as an alternative homologation route are still recognized in the updated Part II of Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/858.
3. Plan certification tests: Contact homologation authorities to learn about timelines and requirements for new tests, especially for brake particle emissions and cold-weather range.
4. Update R&D roadmap: Incorporate new standards into product development plans for future models, avoiding costly redesigns in advanced phases.
5. Coordinate with suppliers: Inform battery and brake system suppliers about the new requirements to ensure that supplied components are certifiable under the new framework.
6. Monitor entry into force date: The regulation does not specify a concrete application date. It is essential to follow the EU Official Journal and communications from homologation authorities to not miss the adaptation deadline.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601753