New Ev car battery regulation in EU

End users can make a significant impact on waste reduction by embracing best practices and exploring opportunities for battery reuse and recycling. These efforts not only extend battery life but also reduce the demand for new batteries and reduce environmental impact. There are several types of batteries in vehicles:

Industrial Battery

A battery that is specifically designed for industrial use, or that is intended for industrial use after preparation for reuse or repurposing, or any other battery that weighs more than 5 kg and is neither an LMT battery, an electric vehicle traction battery, nor an SLI battery…”

Traction Battery

Battery that is specifically designed to provide electric power for traction in hybrid or electric vehicles, that weighs more than 25 kg.

Portable Battery

Battery that is sealed, weighs 5 kg or less, is not designed specifically for industrial use and is neither an electric vehicle battery, nor an SLI battery (E.g. Key battery).

SLI Battery

Starter, Light and Ignition Battery that is specifically designed to supply electric power for starting, lighting, or ignition and that can also be used for auxiliary or backup purposes in vehicles (E.g. 12-volt battery).

To maximize the lifespan of vehicle batteries and promote sustainability, it is important to follow practices that extend their use and enable reuse, repurposing, and remanufacturing.

For Industrial Battery

Firstly, regularly check the battery’s charge cycle, voltage, and temperature to ensure it’s functioning optimally. With proper monitoring, industrial batteries can last for many years in less demanding applications, such as energy storage or backup power.

To preserve battery life, avoid discharging it too deeply. Keeping the battery within a moderate range will help prevent accelerated degradation.

Just like any battery, industrial batteries should be stored in cool, dry conditions. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can shorten the lifespan of the battery. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or areas with fluctuating temperatures.

Long periods of inactivity with a fully charged or fully discharged battery can cause capacity loss.

Avoid puncturing, crushing, or dropping batteries, as this can lead to short circuits or even fires. Ensure that the area is wellventilated to prevent the build-up of gases or heat, which can affect performance and safety.

Finally, when the batteries reach the end of their useful life, make sure to recycle them properly.

If the traction battery no longer meets the needs of the vehicle, it may be suitable for repurposing in lower-demand applications, such as backup power systems. Traction batteries can be valuable in energy storage systems or as part of renewable energy setups. For batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicle use, refurbishment and repurposing may be an option. In this process the battery can be refreshed and put to use in more suitable applications, extending the battery's life and reducing waste. You can find out about Nissan Energy’s Battery activity here: Battery Solutions

The correct disposal and recycling of waste batteries is vital for safeguarding the environment and human health. Improper disposal of batteries can lead to the leakage of harmful chemicals which if enter soil or water, may cause ecosystem damage. Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries contain hazardous substances, including heavy metals and chemicals, which pose a risk of environmental contamination if disposed of with general waste. As such, they must be separated and collected for recycling. We provide a free take-back service at designated locations for waste batteries, allowing consumers to return them for proper disposal and recycling. End users are encouraged to utilize these facilities to ensure responsible disposal and support the recovery of valuable materials from batteries. Battery recycling plays a crucial role in recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, thus reducing the need for mining of virgin material.

Industrial battery

Your industrial battery can be collected, simply contact the System Integrator the battery came from. Failing that, get in touch with Nissan Battery Collection service for further details: battery-collection@nissan-europe.com

Traction Battery

Your traction battery can be collected free of charge by the dealer who sold this vehicle.

Portable Battery

You can drop off the portable battery at public collection points or respective dealer where the vehicle was purchased.

SLI Battery

You can dispose of your SLI battery by visiting an appropriate collection point for recycling or dropping it off to the dealer.

Impact of Batteries on Human Health and the Environment

Health Risks:

• Damaged batteries release harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation, burns, and respiratory problems.
• Overheating or mishandling can lead to thermal runaway, releasing toxic fumes that are harmful to health.
• Increased risk of fire from the leakage of flammable electrolytes.

Environmental Impact:

• Improper disposal can leak hazardous chemicals into the environment, polluting soil and water, and harming wildlife.
• End user is responsible for proper disposal to avoid environmental pollution and reduce negative impact of chemical substances.

Protective Measures and Safety Guidelines

By following protective measures and safety manufacturer's recommendations, end users can ensure the safe use and handling of batteries, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring longer battery life.

Emergency Procedures

Battery-related emergencies can pose significant risks, requiring prompt and careful action to protect health and safety. Site specific risk assessments should be in place before handling batteries. End users are responsible following safety measures, properly maintaining batteries, and taking immediate action in the event of an emergency.

Protective measures and safety instructions:

• Do not discard the high-voltage battery pack neither or any electrical/electronic equipment in the domestic waste.
• The product contains Lithium-ion battery cells that must be processed in accordance with applicable local regulations concerning this type of batteries.
• Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures and moisture: high heat, cold, and moisture can damage the high-voltage battery and increase the risk of hazards. Ensure the battery is stored in a safe and dry place.
• The industrial battery always retains high-voltage, personal protective equipment must always be worn when touching or working on high-voltage components to avoid risk of electrical shock and severe personal injury or death.
• Never open or attempt to repair the high-voltage battery yourself, unauthorized repairs could lead to injury, further damage, or dangerous safety hazards.
• Be cautious when handling damaged batteries and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• The high-voltage battery contains electrolyte solution. To avoid exposure to electrolyte solution and serious personal injury, always wear appropriate solvent resistant personal protective equipment. Released electrolyte from the high-voltage battery is harmful to the skin and eyes. It may be toxic.
• Immediately take action if you notice smoke, heat, strange odours or unusual sounds, by disconnecting the battery (if safe), calling emergency services and storing the battery away from flammable materials.
• Dispose of damaged or defective batteries immediately and properly to ensure safe and environmentally responsible handling.
• In the event of a small fire, a Type ABC fire extinguisher may be used for an electrical fire caused by wiring harnesses, electrical components, etc. or oil fire. Using a small amount of water or the incorrect fire extinguisher can result in serious injury or death from electrical shock.
• Only qualified professionals should handle large lithium batteries, safe handling requires specific expertise and adherence to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Storage of waste batteries :

• Proper waste batteries storage is critical for reducing the risk of fire and/or explosion, follow protective measures and safety recommendations:
• When storing a waste battery and module, the place must be dedicated / unique for those parts. To avoid any damage, do not put on top of something else, don’t put something on it.
• Store waste batteries separately based on their chemical composition (e.g., lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, lead-acid) to prevent chemical reactions.
• Disconnected high-voltage connectors and terminals must be protected by electrical insulating material.
• Use appropriate, non-conductive, leak-proof containers that are clearly labeled with the type of waste battery and hazard symbols.
• Maintain storage areas at a stable, moderate temperature to prevent overheating or freezing, which can damage waste batteries and cause leaks.
• Ensure the waste battery is stored in a safe, clean, and dry place. The storage areas should be well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gases.
• Regularly inspect storage areas for leaks, corrosion, or other signs of waste battery degradation and take immediate action if any issues are found.
• Waste batteries should not be stored longer than necessary, in compliance with national regulations.
• All storage practices must adhere to local or national regulations governing hazardous waste.
• Equip storage areas with fire suppression systems and ensure that fire extinguishers suitable for electrical fires are readily available.
• Immediately take action if you notice smoke, heat, strange odors or unusual sounds, by calling emergency services and storing the waste battery away from flammable materials.
• Make sure the waste battery is not directly in contact with the floor (the battery should never be moved or stored without the pallet).
• Avoid any risk of falling objects on the waste battery.
• Avoid any difficult manipulation.
• Be cautious when handling damaged waste batteries and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Dispose of damaged waste batteries immediately and properly to ensure safe and environmentally responsible handling.

Transportation of waste batteries :

• While handling waste batteries, it is essential to implement strict safety and protective measures to ensure the safe transportation of these materials in compliance with existing regulations.
• Define the type of battery to be transported (used or waste) and follow the appropriate requirements and regulations.
• Use UN-approved, leak-proof containers that are resistant to impact and puncture. Ensure that waste batteries are securely packed to prevent movement, damage and short circuits during transit.
• Clearly label all containers with the appropriate hazard symbols, UN numbers, and handling instructions.
• Waste batteries must be separated from other materials to prevent hazardous reactions during transport.
• Accompany shipments with all necessary documentation, including waste transfer notes, consignment notes, and any required permits.
• Use vehicles that are suitable for transporting hazardous materials, only trained personnel should handle the transportation of hazardous waste to ensure safety and compliance.
• Transport vehicles must be equipped with emergency response equipment and protocols for accidents or spills.
• Transportation routes should minimize environmental exposure and ensure safe delivery to waste facilities.
• All transportation must comply with the local regulations for dangerous goods by road or rail, as applicable.
• Detailed records of each transportation cycle must be kept for full traceability and regulatory compliance.

Labels and symbols on batteries