Adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the new type approval requirements will ensure that electric and hybrid vehicles are as safe as conventional cars. A key consideration is that vehicles must provide users with an effective protection against electric shocks

The revised UNECE regulation will cover all types of electric vehicles: pure electric, hybrid, plug-in, as well as hydrogen fuel cells vehicles.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, commissioner for industry and entrepreneurship, said: 'The electric car is one green car choice available to consumers. I am keen to ensure that they are introduced on the market as soon as possible and that they are safe to use.'

In a statement, UNECE said that the revised regulation offers 'the legal instrument to put into the market passenger and commercial vehicles with greener standards, reducing the costs and delays associated with multiple approvals in various countries'.