The first standard in a far-reaching code of practice has been published by the UK’s British Standards Institute (BSI) to ensure the safe and environmentally-friendly manufacture, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
The standard covers eleven handling themes— including storage, hazards and fumes— and is designed to help pack and module manufacturers, vehicle OEMs and recycling organisations manage risks throughout a battery’s lifetime.
The standard, and along with others that will follow it, is intended to help scale-up and advance the production, safe use and recycling of batteries in the UK.
The standard was developed under the Faraday Battery Challenge Standardization Programme and centres around the safe and environmentally-conscious handling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs)— a concern brought into focus by the UK’s decision to move its ban on ICE vehicles forward to 2030.
The new standard, PAS 7061 Batteries for vehicle propulsion electrification – Safe and environmentally-conscious handling of battery packs and modules – Code of practice, outlines best practice from sourcing material, through to manufacturing, use and disposal.
The programme was delivered with support from UK Research and Innovation as part of the government’s £317 million investment to address the UK productivity gap in the EV market.
Scott Steedman, director of standards at BSI, said: “More efficient, reliable and affordable batteries for storing electricity are vital to the UK’s transition to a zero-emission transport future.
“Anticipating an era where electric vehicles become the norm, BSI has published the first consensus standard for handling electric vehicle battery packs and modules.
“The standard is an important step in creating a successful UK battery manufacturing industry and will help the UK prepare for any future phasing out of diesel and petrol vehicles.”
This standard has been produced by a steering group of technical experts made-up of organisations from the battery manufacturing and automotive industries, regulatory bodies, and representatives of the UK research and development community and consumer interest groups.
The Faraday Battery Challenge Standardization Programme also includes further standards, which are due to be published in January 2021. They will cover safety, environmental and quality considerations in cell manufacturing and in the design and use of batteries.
Work is also being done to develop a roadmap which identifies additional areas where standards are needed to support the UKRI’s Faraday Battery Challenge ambitions, making this standard the first of many to define aspects of best practice in EV batteries.
