Battery Technology

Battery Technology

Ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy
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Battery Technology
Battery Technology
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Battery Technology is one of the sectors selected for Outcome 2 of the UK-China Business Environment Programme Standards Strand: improvement in the quality of standards submitted to international standards-setting bodies.

As a high-tech industry, modern battery technology requires significant investment in skills and education. International standards can facilitate the development of an effective global supply chain for batteries. This can create opportunities for trade and employment in these supply chains as well as associated product supply chains such as electric vehicles. Employment and job opportunities lead the way for improved prosperity.

The development of high performance, high quality, safe, and environmentally safe batteries is an important step in migration towards the wide-scale implementation of electric vehicles. The EV market growth continues to rise globally as cities plan to ban petrol and diesel cars in the coming years, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions thereby addressing climate change.

China is one of the main leaders in the EV market and therefore working on this project collaboratively could help to produce a single ISO standard that could be used internationally, and that could encourage more harmonized trade deals worldwide.

The Programme provides an opportunity to collaborate in developing the standards infrastructure which underpins international battery supply chains. This may lead to increased opportunities for UK and international suppliers. A significant benefit is the networking potential for UK innovation and the opportunity to influence sustainable manufacturing practices through the voluntary use of appropriate process standards.


Battery technology standards in the UK context

The UK has a solid R&D base for battery science but limited industrial capability. Batteries for electrification, and the supporting standards, are a recent focus of UK government and Industry. Innovate UK, leading on the Faraday Battery Challenge (FBC), is well aware of the importance of the opportunities associated with cooperating with China in the creation of standards and, where applicable, exporting UK knowledge, innovation and thought leadership internationally.

There is growing demand for batteries for electrification, with the market estimated to be worth £5 billion to the UK and £50 billion to Europe by 2025. The FBC, backed by the UK government, will invest in research and innovation projects and new facilities to scale-up and advance the production, use and recycling of batteries. It will lower carbon and air pollution in the UK, while creating new opportunities and industries. The challenge is addressing key targets of automotive battery technology which will allow the UK to realise its commitment to move to full electrification and zero emissions vehicles. Standards and best practice have a key role to play in the FBC and in supporting the growth of the industry in the UK and internationally.

Process for joint development of proposals for international adoption

  • Establish a joint working group to identify areas of common ground and agree on areas for collaboration
  • Technical expert exchanges to develop content and plan for the introduction of new work item proposals
  • Post ballot assessments and follow up actions including lessons learned
  • Communications strategy to promote awareness on the importance of international standards