Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) announced the publication of a new guidance document on electric vehicle (EV) battery safe handling and storage.
The document summarizes some of the available resources, options and considerations related to handling of EV batteries after removal from a vehicle, including topics related to battery identification, safety prevention thermal runaway and the roles of authorities. It also includes links to several relevant regulations and standards for those seeking additional information on the topic.
SP said the document is written with battery holders in mind, including vehicle dealerships, auto dismantlers and recyclers, independent garages, battery repurposers and remanufactures.
“High-voltage batteries can present significant risks if mishandled, and taking proactive steps, such as developing a comprehensive emergency preparedness and fire prevention plan, is key in mitigating those risks,” David Fauvre, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Blue Whale Materials, said.
Batteries referenced in the document include lithium-ion (li-ion) electric vehicle traction batteries for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) of light-duty cars and trucks. Some of the guidance may be applicable to other types of lithium and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
