National Standards Body BSI has published the first code of practice for the safe and environmentally-conscious handling of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

The standard, and others which will follow it, is intended to help scale-up and advance the production, safe use and recycling of batteries in the UK, in a growing market worth an estimated £5 billion in the UK and £50 billion across Europe by 2025.[1]

As the UK prepares for the future ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, the new standard will help to reduce health and safety risks and create environmental best practice throughout the life cycle of EV batteries.

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.

It will help companies involved in pack and module battery manufacture to innovate quickly, safely and sustainably as the UK seeks to make its mark on this emerging international industry. It will also help vehicle manufacturers, dealerships and recycling organizations to manage risks when handling batteries throughout their lifetime. The standard covers eleven handling themes including storage, hazards and fumes.

The standard is the first publication from the Faraday Battery Challenge Standardization Programme.