Lithium Battery Definitions in UN Manual of Tests and Criteria George A. Kerchner PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association 1776 K Street, NW Washington, DC

Definitions  Background “Module” frequently used by industry; referenced in NOTE under “Battery” definition in UN Manual  Generally recognized as electrically connected cells and a “component” designed for use in battery assembly “Battery Assembly” referenced eight times in but not defined  Generally recognized as assembly of electrically connected modules or batteries  “Battery System” more frequently used in industry

SAE 2984 Definitions  Battery Module: A group of interconnected cells in a single mechanical and electrical unit  Battery System: A completely functional energy storage system consisting of the pack(s), necessary ancillary subsystems for physical support, thermal management and electronic control.

UL 2580 Definitions  Module – A subassembly consisting of a group of cells or electrochemical capacitors connected together either in a series and/or parallel configuration (sometimes referred to as a block) with or without protective devices and monitoring circuitry. A module is a component of an electric energy storage assembly.

Proposed Definitions  Module or Component Module is two or more cells that are electrically connected in a single mechanical and electrical unit and designed for use in a battery system. It may include housing, terminals, electronic circuits, protective devices and markings.

Proposed Definitions  Replace Battery Assembly with Battery System in UN Manual  Define Battery System as a completely functional energy storage system consisting of two or more modules or batteries and necessary ancillary subsystems for physical support, thermal management, protection management and electronic control.

Definitions  Large battery defined as battery with a gross mass of more than 12 kg – Generally associated with industrial-type batteries (e.g., EV, HEV)  Largest consumer-type Li ion battery found in E-bikes weighs approximately 3.0 – 5.0 kg  Proposed changes would better differentiate between consumer- type and industrial-type lithium batteries

Proposed Definitions  Large battery means a lithium metal battery or lithium ion battery with a gross mass of more than 5 kg.  Small battery means a lithium metal battery or lithium ion battery with a gross mass of not more than 5 kg.