ISO 6469-2:2022

Overview

ISO 6469-2:2022 - "Electrically propelled road vehicles - Safety specifications - Part 2: Vehicle operational safety" defines operational safety requirements specific to electrically propelled road vehicles (EVs). It focuses on protecting people inside and outside the vehicle during normal operation (driving, parking, auxiliary functions and charging connections). The standard excludes motorcycles/mopeds (covered by ISO 13063 series), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), manufacturing/maintenance safety, and detailed driving automation aspects.

Key topics and requirements

• Driving‑enabled mode: Activation of propulsion must require at least two deliberate and distinctive actions; vehicles must indicate when propulsion is enabled. A main switch function is required for activation/deactivation.
• Single‑point failure management: Measures (for example, normally open/closed switches) must address credible single‑point failures that affect safety.
• Low energy (RESS) indications: If a low state of charge (SOC) affects driving performance, the vehicle must warn the driver and still be capable of being driven out of traffic; minimum energy reserve for lights is required if no separate storage for auxiliaries exists.
• Driving and reversing safeguards: Prevent unintentional switch into reverse - switching direction requires two actions or a safety device that only permits transition when stationary or moving slowly; the selected drive direction must be indicated to the driver.
• External sound generation system (ESGS / AVAS): New requirements for external acoustic signals to alert pedestrians and other road users. If fitted, the ESGS must automatically operate from vehicle start up to at least 20 km/h and during reversing (national regulations may vary). Sound characteristics should convey vehicle behavior and may be selectable by driver. A driver-accessible pause function may be provided but must default to “on” after restart.
• Auxiliary electric systems: Operational requirements apply to conductively connected auxiliary systems (e.g., lifts, cranes) because EVs emit less audible noise.
• Parking and information: Indication when propulsion remains in driving‑enabled mode; owners’ manual and first responder information are required.

Practical applications - who uses it

• EV manufacturers and vehicle systems engineers - to design propulsion controls, ESGS, indicators, and safety interlocks.
• Safety and compliance teams - to demonstrate operational safety requirements during type approval and conformity assessment.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies - for operational safety verification and EMC handoff references.
• Regulators and policymakers - to align national regulations with international operational safety norms.
• Emergency responders and fleet operators - to understand vehicle behavior, available warnings, and first‑responder guidance required by the standard.

Related standards

• ISO 6469 series (other parts address RESS, functional safety, etc.)
• ISO 16254 for testing external sound generation systems
• ISO 6469-1 / ISO 6469-3 for definitions and system-level safety
• IEC 61851 and ISO 11451 for EMC and charging interfaces (EMC not covered in ISO 6469-2)
• SAE J3016 for definition of driving automation features

Keywords: ISO 6469-2:2022, electrically propelled road vehicles, vehicle operational safety, external sound generation system, RESS, driving-enabled mode, EV safety specifications.