Project provides compensation of up to R$ 500 thousand for accidents with electric vehicles

Bill 3174/26, which establishes safety rules for electric vehicles and provides for civil, administrative, and criminal liability of the production chain in cases of defects that put consumers at risk, is under analysis. The text also determines minimum amounts for compensation to accident victims.

Under the proposal, any vehicle that compromises consumer safety, including risks related to the electric propulsion system and energy storage, such as fires, explosions and electric shocks, will be considered defective.

The project is authored by Deputy Pastor Gil (PL-MA), who defends the creation of specific rules in view of the growth of the electrified fleet in the country. According to the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE), sales of electrified light vehicles totaled 271,097 units from January to July 2026, surpassing the total recorded in the entire year of 2025. Since 2012, the Brazilian market has accumulated almost 893 thousand units.

The text establishes a minimum compensation of R$ 500 thousand for each fatal victim. In cases of permanent disability, the minimum amount provided for is R$ 300 thousand. For victims who suffer severe burns or are left with permanent sequelae, the floor would be R$ 150 thousand. The amounts would not prevent the Court from determining higher compensations, according to the circumstances of each case.

In addition to the rules of accountability, the proposal provides for preventive measures. Among them is the mandatory automatic systems for fire prevention and containment in high-voltage batteries, in addition to the requirement of national safety certification before the commercialization of vehicles in Brazil.

The project will be analyzed in a conclusive manner by the committees of Traffic and Transport, Consumer Protection and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship, if approved, it will go to the Senate. To enter into force, the text will still need to be approved by both Houses of Congress and sanctioned by the President of the Republic.