GAC Global

At GAC, we see the electric vehicle revolution accelerating at an incredible pace. Global drivers are making the switch. However, looking at spec sheets from different countries can be confusing. A model sold in China might list a range of 600 kilometers, while the same car in the United States lists only 400 kilometers. This discrepancy usually comes down to the EV standard used in that specific region. We believe that understanding these regulatory differences is essential for you to choose the right vehicle for your lifestyle, no matter where you live.

Charging Connector Standards

One of the first physical differences you will notice when traveling globally is the plug. Just as travel adapters are needed for electronics, EV charging standards vary significantly by continent.

North America

For years, the standard here was CCS1 (Combined Charging System Type 1). However, the landscape is shifting rapidly. We are seeing a massive industry move toward NACS (North American Charging System), now standardized as SAE J3400. Most major automakers are adopting this slimmer, lighter connector to access the extensive supercharger network.

Europe

Europe has largely settled on electric car charging standards centered around CCS2. This looks similar to the American CCS1 but is slightly bulkier. The key advantage of CCS2 is its support for three-phase AC charging. This allows European drivers to charge much faster at home or at public AC stations compared to typical North American setups.

China

In our home market, we utilize the GB/T standard. A unique aspect of Chinese EVs is that they often feature two separate physical ports on the vehicle: one for AC charging and a separate one for DC fast charging. This design requires specific infrastructure planning but ensures compatibility with the nation’s vast charging network.

Range Estimation Standards

Range anxiety is a common concern. However, the “range” listed on a sticker depends entirely on the testing cycle used. As a global manufacturer, we test our vehicles against multiple protocols to meet local EV standard requirements.

EPA (USA - The Conservative Standard)

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) runs the toughest tests. Their cycles include high-speed highway driving and account for heavy air conditioning or heater use. Consequently, EPA ratings usually provide the lowest, most realistic numbers for mixed driving conditions. If a car is rated for 300 miles here, you can generally trust it.

WLTP (Europe/Global - The Moderate Standard)

The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) replaced the outdated NEDC standard. It focuses heavily on city and suburban driving cycles with some highway driving. The results are generally 10-20% more optimistic than EPA figures. This is the primary standard we see in Europe and many other global markets.

CLTC (China - The Optimistic Standard)

The China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) is designed specifically for China’s traffic patterns. Our cities often have heavy congestion, resulting in lower average speeds and frequent stop-and-go driving. This cycle favors regenerative braking efficiency. Therefore, CLTC numbers are often the highest, though they may be harder to achieve at sustained highway speeds in Western countries.

In summary, here is a table to clearly demonstrate their differences:

Feature	EPA (USA)	WLTP (Europe)	CLTC (China)
Primary Focus	Mixed/Highway	Suburban/City	Urban/Congested
Speed Profile	High	Moderate	Low
Estimate Type	Conservative	Moderate	Optimistic
Approx. Conversion	Baseline (100%)	~110-120% of EPA	~125-135% of EPA

Voltage and Grid Standards

Beyond the plug shape, the electricity flowing into the battery varies. Electric vehicle charging standards must adapt to the local power grid.

In North America, homes typically operate on 120V. This means standard “Level 1” charging is very slow, often taking days to fill a large battery. Most owners install a 240V “Level 2” circuit for practical daily use.

In contrast, Europe and Asia largely operate on a 230V standard. This means that even a standard wall outlet offers a decent charging speed. This higher base voltage simplifies the charging hardware requirements for many of our customers in these regions.

Safety and Regulatory Standards

Safety is our top priority at GAC. However, the rulebook for safety changes across borders. Different regions prioritize different aspects of vehicle design through their electric vehicle standards.

Homologation Differences

• UNECE (Europe/Global):This is a “type-approval” Government-authorized agencies must certify a vehicle prototype before it can go on sale. It is rigorous and widely accepted across many countries.
• FMVSS (USA):The United States uses a self-certification system. Manufacturers certify that their vehicles meet specific, strict requirements regarding airbags, lighting, and pedestrian safety.
• CCC (China):The China Compulsory Certification involves its own distinct set of safety tests and quality controls that we strictly adhere to for our domestic models.

Battery Safety

Regardless of the region, battery safety is paramount. Every major EV standard globally now incorporates strict thermal runaway and crash protection tests, such as those outlined in UN GTR No. 20 ^[1]. We engineer our battery packs to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring passenger safety regardless of which regulatory sticker is on the door jamb.

Summary

Navigating the world of electric vehicles involves learning a new language of acronyms and specifications. From the plug shape to the way range is calculated, the EV standard governing your car depends heavily on where you drive.

At GAC, we pride ourselves on engineering excellence and adaptability. We do not simply build one car and ship it everywhere. Instead, we customize our product lines to meet and exceed these diverse regulatory environments. Whether it is adapting our charging ports for Europe or tuning our battery management systems for North American highway speeds, we ensure our vehicles perform reliably for you. We invite you to explore our latest lineup and see how we are powering the future of mobility, tailored specifically for your market.

References

• Global technical regulation No. 20. Available at: https://unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/main/wp29/wp29wgs/wp29gen/wp29registry/ECE-TRANS-180a20app1e.pdf(Accessed: December 18, 2025)