The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market and renewable energy storage systems has placed battery standards at the forefront of industry discussions. Governments, manufacturers, and international organizations are intensifying efforts to establish unified safety, performance, and sustainability benchmarks. Recent developments suggest a growing push toward global harmonization, though challenges remain in aligning regional regulations and technological advancements.

In 2023, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) unveiled updated guidelines underIEC 62619andISO 12405, focusing on safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries in industrial applications and EVs. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) introduced new testing protocols underUL 1974to evaluate second-life battery performance, addressing concerns about repurposing used EV batteries for grid storage.

Europe has taken a more aggressive stance with theEU Battery Regulation, which mandates strict carbon footprint disclosures, recycled material quotas, and due diligence for supply chains starting in 2024. China, the world’s largest battery producer, has also revised itsGB/Tstandards to enhance thermal runaway prevention and energy density metrics.

1. Sustainability-Driven Revisions With environmental concerns mounting, standards are increasingly incorporating lifecycle assessments (LCAs). The EU’sBattery Passportinitiative, set for full implementation by 2026, will require digital IDs for batteries, detailing their carbon emissions, material origins, and recyclability. Similar frameworks are under discussion in North America and Asia.

2. Fast-Charging Compatibility As fast-charging networks expand, standards likeCHAdeMO,CCS, andGB/Tare evolving to ensure interoperability and safety. TheCharINalliance recently proposed a universal high-power charging standard, aiming to reduce fragmentation.

3. Solid-State and Next-Gen Batteries Emerging technologies like solid-state batteries are outpacing existing standards. Industry groups, includingSAE International, are drafting new testing protocols to address unique properties such as higher energy density and reduced flammability.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a battery safety researcher atFraunhofer ISE, emphasizes the urgency of harmonization:"Divergent regional standards create inefficiencies for manufacturers and risks for consumers. A global framework for safety and performance testing would accelerate adoption while reducing costs."However, John Keller, CTO of a U.S.-based battery startup, cautions against over-regulation:"Standards must balance innovation with safety. Overly prescriptive rules could stifle breakthroughs in materials science, particularly for startups."Meanwhile, Liu Wei, a policy advisor for China’sCATL, highlights the role of standards in trade:"As battery exports grow, alignment between Chinese, European, and U.S. standards will be critical to avoid technical barriers."

Despite progress, key hurdles persist. Variations in regional priorities—such as Europe’s focus on sustainability versus the U.S.’s emphasis on fast-charging infrastructure—complicate harmonization. Additionally, the lack of standardized recycling processes remains a pain point, with some experts advocating forcradle-to-cradlecertification systems.

The battery industry is at a pivotal juncture, with standards evolving to meet technological, environmental, and market demands. While global alignment is still a work in progress, the collaborative efforts of regulators, manufacturers, and researchers signal a concerted move toward safer, more sustainable energy storage solutions. Stakeholders will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure standards drive—rather than hinder—the clean energy transition. This report reflects industry consensus as of Q3 2023. Further updates are expected ahead of COP28, where battery standards will feature in climate policy negotiations.