M/579 - Batteries
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 7.12.2021 on a standardisation request to the European standardisation organisations as regards performance, safety and sustainability requirements for batteries
The European Commission's Implementing Decision M/579, dated 7 December 2021, mandates the European standardisation organisations (CEN, CENELEC, ETSI) to develop standards addressing the performance, safety, and sustainability requirements for batteries. This standardisation request aims to ensure that batteries used within the EU meet high levels of quality and environmental responsibility, supporting regulatory measures related to battery durability, safety protocols, and eco-design criteria. The standards developed under this mandate will facilitate market harmonisation, enhance consumer protection, and promote sustainable battery production and usage across member states.
Purpose
The mandate M/579 aims to establish harmonised standards for batteries within the European Union. Its focus is on defining performance, safety, and sustainability requirements to support regulatory frameworks and market needs. This will help ensure that batteries placed on the EU market meet consistent quality and environmental criteria.
Standardisation request
The European Commission requested the European standardisation organisations to develop and update standards related to batteries. These standards should address key aspects including battery performance metrics, safety protocols, and sustainability considerations throughout the battery lifecycle.
Expected deliverables
Deliverables under this mandate are expected to include:
- Standards specifying technical performance requirements for various types of batteries.
- Safety standards to mitigate risks associated with battery use, transport, and disposal.
- Sustainability standards promoting environmentally friendly design, manufacturing, use, and end-of-life management of batteries.
- Possibly, guidance documents or methodologies supporting assessment and compliance with these requirements.
Context
The mandate reflects the EU’s increasing emphasis on clean energy, circular economy, and consumer safety. Batteries are critical components in sectors such as electric vehicles, energy storage, and portable electronics. Standardisation will facilitate compliance with EU legislation, enhance market transparency, and support innovation in battery technologies. This initiative complements existing EU policies on batteries, waste management, and product safety.
The mandate covers standardisation work related to performance, safety, and sustainability requirements for batteries. It addresses batteries used in various applications, focusing on ensuring these aspects are met to enhance battery technology in line with EU safety and environmental objectives.
General Information
The standard shall describe the necessary steps and conditions for the measurement of the parameters, which are relevant for rechargeable batteries with internal energy storage used for road vehicles. The parameters shall reflect current industry practice for the applications based on existing international standards. The standard shall consider the most appropriate metric based on application and the objective of the metric to enable comparison of electrical performance between different models/products on the market. It shall in particular take into account the following:
- rated capacity (in Ah);
- rated power (in W);
- internal resistance (in ꭥ);
- energy round trip efficiency (in %).
The measurement tests of the standard shall be relevant for batteries, battery packs, and battery modules intended for the following applications:
- motor vehicles, including M and N categories referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council with traction battery;
- L-category vehicles referred to in Article 2 of Regulation EU 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with traction battery of more than 25kg.
- Standard29 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
The standard shall describe the necessary steps and conditions for the measurement of the parameters, which are relevant for rechargeable batteries with internal energy storage used for road vehicles. The parameters shall reflect current industry practice for the applications based on existing international standards. The standard shall consider the most appropriate metric based on application and the objective of the metric to enable comparison of electrical performance between different models/products on the market. It shall in particular take into account the following:
- rated capacity (in Ah);
- rated power (in W);
- internal resistance (in ꭥ);
- energy round trip efficiency (in %).
The measurement tests of the standard shall be relevant for batteries, battery packs, and battery modules intended for the following applications:
- motor vehicles, including M and N categories referred to in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council with traction battery;
- L-category vehicles referred to in Article 2 of Regulation EU 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with traction battery of more than 25kg.
- Standard29 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document describes steps, conditions and protocols for safe maintenance and repair to facilitate remanufacturing, re-use and preparation for repurposing of battery systems, battery packs and battery modules designed for EV applications for alkali-ion (Li-ion, Na-ion), Pb, NiMH and combined chemistries.
This document also includes an informative guidance on design and assembly techniques that facilitate the maintenance, repair, re-use and preparation for repurposing of EV battery systems, battery packs and battery modules (Annex B).
NOTE Individual cell is replaced when it is allowed and described by the EV battery systems, battery packs and battery modules manufacturer. In this case, battery modules manufacturer provides the necessary instructions for cell replacement.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document describes steps, conditions and protocols for safe maintenance and repair to facilitate remanufacturing, re-use and preparation for repurposing of battery systems, battery packs and battery modules designed for EV applications for alkali-ion (Li-ion, Na-ion), Pb, NiMH and combined chemistries.
This document also includes an informative guidance on design and assembly techniques that facilitate the maintenance, repair, re-use and preparation for repurposing of EV battery systems, battery packs and battery modules (Annex B).
NOTE Individual cell is replaced when it is allowed and described by the EV battery systems, battery packs and battery modules manufacturer. In this case, battery modules manufacturer provides the necessary instructions for cell replacement.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/579 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 7.12.2021 on a standardisation request to the European standardisation organisations as regards performance, safety and sustainability requirements for batteries". COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 7.12.2021 on a standardisation request to the European standardisation organisations as regards performance, safety and sustainability requirements for batteries There are 4 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.