Development of a European standard for lithium-ion batteries has begun

Good news: the first steps towards a European standard for the storage of lithium-ion batteries have been taken! European certification bodies ESSA and ECB-S recently announced this important milestone. This marks a significant step towards harmonising safety and quality requirements for battery safes across Europe.

The CEN/TC 263 WG-2 committee, which will focus on the standardisation of batteries and battery technologies, has unanimously approved the development of this new standard.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. They power electric vehicles, tools, and countless devices we use daily. However, these batteries also come with risks, such as battery fires. These incidents can cause significant damage to your property, assets, and, most importantly, the safety of your employees.

A European lithium-ion standard will provide manufacturers and businesses with clear guidelines. This not only enhances safety but also offers greater assurance to users and insurers.

Developing a European standard takes time – often several years. In the meantime, the VDMA 24994 serves as the benchmark for safe battery safes. It is also expected to become the basis for the future European norm.

A battery safe tested according to VDMA 24994 is designed to contain battery fires and harmful smoke within the safe. This prevents the fire from spreading and protects your business. Increasingly, insurers such as the Dutch insurer Nationale-Nederlanden, are recommending – or even requiring – certified battery safes.

At Batteryguard, we are at the forefront of developments in safe lithium-ion battery storage. Our Batteryguard XL battery safe has already been tested and successfully passed the new VDMA 24994 test. The result? A safe that exceeds the requirements and offers a high level of protection against battery fires.

Want to know what to look for when choosing a safe for lithium-ion batteries? Read our blog: How to choose a safe for lithium-ion batteries – we explain! Or contact us directly. Together, we will explore the best solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Prefer to learn more first? Download our whitepaper below and read all about the risks of lithium-ion battery fires.