China has published its first national standards for measuring the carbon footprint of electric vehicles and their key components, with FAW-Volkswagen among the contributing authors. The three standards, released under the supervision of the National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization, fill a gap in the country's methodology for quantifying emissions across the EV supply chain, according to Chinese automotive news outlet Gasgoo.
What the standards cover
The new standards are GB/T 48217—2026 for electric vehicles, GB/T 48266—2026 for traction batteries, and GB/T 48267—2026 for drive motors. Each establishes a unified framework for calculating and reporting carbon footprints, including the scope and purpose of the assessment, life-cycle inventory analysis, impact evaluation, interpretation of results, and reporting procedures.
Product carbon footprint measures all greenhouse gas emissions from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling. Previously, Chinese automakers and suppliers often used inconsistent methods, making it difficult to compare data across companies or trust the results. The new national standards give domestic firms a common basis for carbon accounting, supporting compliance reporting and third-party verification, and helping them adapt to emerging international green trade rules.
FAW-Volkswagen's carbon plans
FAW-Volkswagen, a joint venture between FAW Group and Volkswagen, said it will use the standards to upgrade its digital carbon-management system under its manufacturing "1050" capability framework. The company aims to complete carbon-footprint accounting and low-carbon brand certification for 100% of its products, and to cut life-cycle carbon emissions by 29% by 2030.
The company has previously contributed to four group standards and three local standards on carbon management, according to Gasgoo.
