SAE International Develops Standards for Lithium Ion Battery

"There’s no doubt lithium-ion battery technology will continue to play a vital role in the alternative powertrain systems of the future," said Galen E. Ressler, chair of the Battery Safety Standards Task Force. "As with any propulsion system, we need to assure that all of our systems are safe for our vehicle occupants. The adoption of new technologies such as advanced battery systems, require the industry to adopt new standards to increase vehicle safety, and this standard will play a vital role in making that a reality. The committee already is working on the second version of the standard, which will expand and enhance the standard to include additional aspects related to thermal propagation, flammability, toxicity, EMC and impact resistance."

SAE International battery committees are working to limit the potential for danger by developing standards that cover all aspects, from battery design, testing, storage, shipping and recycling of large advanced-technology batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid-electrics. Battery standards are useful for several reasons, but safety is paramount.

SAE International also is working with other organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association to recognize opportunities for improving EV battery safety knowledge, training, communications and vehicle designs for the First Responder community. In addition, the committees are supporting ISO12405 (electrically propelled road vehicles – test specification for Lithium-ion traction battery packs and systems) standards development.

Robert Galyen, Chair of the Vehicle Battery Standards Committee, commented on the collaboration of the document. "From project initiation to publication, these standards were completed in 13 months, a significant achievement given the sensitivity of the subject. More than 35 industry professionals from the U.S., Asia and Europe actively participated in the process, representing vehicle manufacturers, battery system and component suppliers, and other interested organizations. The diversity of this organization helps to make it a true global industry standard," he said.

Lithium ion batteries are used in hybrid and electric vehicles. Their usage is expected to grow as more of the vehicles are introduced. Market size estimates for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries range widely from $2.3 billion to $10 billion by 2015. The U.S. will have the capacity to produce 20 percent of the world’s advanced batteries by 2012 and up to 40 percent by 2015 (DOE).

"Although automotive applications are significantly different than other applications, such as laptop computers, there have been safety related concerns with lithium ion batteries," Robert Galyen said. "Creation of these standards will help to ease concerns."

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