Tag Archive: batteries

1. LEVA-EU wants dedicated light electric vehicle battery category

   26/04/2021 18:00 Comments Off on LEVA-EU wants dedicated light electric vehicle battery category

   Last week, LEVA-EU has organized two online meetings, in which the trade association has informed LEV-businesses on the new battery proposal. The meetings, open to both members and non-members, were aimed at gathering support for the amendments LEVA-EU is to present to the European Parliament and the Council.

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   The Commission’s proposal to the European Parliament and Council for new battery legislation is no less than an existential threat to most companies in the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV)-sector.

   The Commission does propose reasonable measures for batteries in light means of transport. Unfortunately, the Commission’s definition of light means of transport is such that it would only categorize batteries in certain electric cycles as portable batteries subject to reasonable requirements. Only sealed batteries up to 5 kg to be used in vehicles with a seat and a motor of no more than 750 watts (sic) come under the category of portable batteries. All other batteries, i.e. in electric scooters, mobility scooters, e-mopeds, e-motorcycles and other electric vehicles in the L-category would be categorized as electric vehicle batteries.

   Electric vehicle batteries are to become subject to very extensive and complicated sustainability requirements supplemented with heavy-duty administration. It is simply impossible for LEV-battery producers to comply with electric vehicle battery regulations. It is also very debatable whether these requirements are necessary and adequate for LEV-batteries.

   Furthermore, in most cases the responsibilities will not fall on the company that effectively makes the battery, but on the company that first puts the battery on the market in an EU Member State, i.e. the vehicle producer or importer. Under electric vehicle battery rules, that producer will be charged with duties beyond his competence.

   LEVA-EU has found the Commission prepared to reconsider this proposal for batteries for light means of transport. Unfortunately, the proposal is already with the European Parliament and Council. LEVA-EU therefore needs the support of LEV-companies in its campaign for a battery proposal that will not destroy any LEV-companies. Gathering that support was the objective of last week’s information meetings.

   LEVA-EU proposes not to categorise LEV-batteries as portable nor as electric vehicle batteries. Instead, the association proposes to create a 4th, new category specifically for LEV-batteries. The category can be very easily defined by linking it to the L-category in technical legislation. Consequently, all batteries in vehicles in the L-category, but also all vehicle excluded from the L-category under Article 2.2 of Regulation 168/2013, could be categorised as LEV-batteries. As a result, a dedicated collection scheme can be organized and accurate targets may be set upon specific research. LEVA-EU believes it is important to have collection separate from portable batteries, because due to specific hazards, LEV-batteries are subject to UN-rules for transport.

   The Commission does however insist on additional sustainability requirements for the heavier batteries in the L-category, starting from L3 to L7. LEVA-EU’s proposal is not to impose such requirements immediately but to research what is necessary and feasible and to consult with LEV-businesses on this.

   In the meantime, LEVA-EU has initiated in talks with Members of the European Parliament. The association can obviously rely on support from its members for this work but welcomes any additional support from companies that are not members (yet). In the next few weeks, LEVA-EU is going to translate its proposal in concrete amendments that will be presented to the European Parliament and the Council.

   To find out more about this issue or to pledge your support for the LEVA-EU campaign, contact Annick Roetynck, tel. +32 9 233 60 05, email annick@leva-eu.com.

2. Commission proposes to modernise EU legislation on batteries

   10/12/2020 12:46 Comments Off on Commission proposes to modernise EU legislation on batteries

   Today, the European Commission proposes to modernise EU legislation on batteries, delivering its first initiative among the actions announced in the new Circular Economy Action Plan. Batteries that are more sustainable throughout their life cycle are key for the goals of the European Green Deal and contribute to the zero pollution ambition set in it. They promote competitive sustainability and are necessary for green transport, clean energy and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The proposal addresses the social, economic and environmental issues related to all types of batteries.

   In a first reaction, LEVA-EU Partner Recharge welcomes the proposal as “a meaningful legislative framework that will close the gap in existing legislation and can level the playing field with international actors“. However, the battery trade association also issues a stark warning: “In today’s proposal we see a high level of complexity and fear that this will translate into over-regulating fast-paced, innovative industries such as batteries or electric mobility. Closing the gap with international competition will depend on long-term investments and a coherent regulatory framework.”

   LEVA-EU is currently analyzing the Commission’s proposal and will consult with its members on an accurate response for the benefit of the LEV-sector. For more information, please contact Annick Roetynck, +32 9 233 60 05, annick@leva-eu.com

   The Commission’s proposal is here, the annexes to the proposal here.
   The EU press release on the proposal is here
   Recharge’s initial response is here.

3. New graphene find makes magnesium batteries cleaner and greener

   28/09/2020 16:19 Comments Off on New graphene find makes magnesium batteries cleaner and greener

   Article by Tom Foley – Graphene Flagship

   Scientists at Graphene Flagship partners the University of Padova, the University of Trieste and CNR-IMM, Italy, in collaboration with researchers from other European institutions, have developed a new strategy to boost the performance of magnesium-based rechargeable batteries. Combining vanadium and graphene oxide, they obtained a high-power cathode that shows excellent promise for sustainable energy storage.

   Rechargeable batteries are widespread in modern electronics, as they can repeatedly accumulate, store and discharge energy through a reversible electrochemical reaction. This makes them vital for the lasting function of mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles, all of which endure hundreds of charge cycles over their lifetime. Typical rechargeable batteries are made using lithium anodes, but magnesium anodes have a number of properties that make them promising alternatives.

   “Several factors make magnesium-based rechargeable batteries attractive,” begins first author Vito Di Noto, from Graphene Flagship partner the University of Padova, Italy. “They have a higher volumetric capacity than those made with lithium, and they can be safely handled in air.” Moreover, magnesium is a cheaper and more abundant raw material. “In fact, it is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust,” explains Di Noto. Magnesium anodes also represent a safer alternative: they are less prone to dendrite formation, a phenomenon that can lead to short circuits and, in rare circumstances, battery explosion.

   However, the development of magnesium batteries has been hindered by their poorly performing cathodes, which often result in significantly worse-performing devices than their lithium-based counterparts.

   To tackle this challenge, the researchers developed an all-new cathode material for magnesium batteries based on graphene and vanadium oxides. The material exhibits a peculiar chrysalis-like microstructure that enhances the performance of the battery. Graphene oxide flakes encircle a nanoparticle core based on vanadium oxide: “the structures are fixed together thanks to a layer of ammonium ions,” explains Di Noto. The chrysalis-like material combines vanadium’s high redox activity and graphene oxide’s electrical properties. “This yields a cathode with very strong chemical and electrochemical stability,” he continues.

   

   The new graphene-enhanced cathode has allowed researchers to operate a coin cell at very high current rates and power, with a promisingly high specific capacity. “The synergistic effects provided by graphene oxide, vanadium and the chrysalis morphology enable the coin cell to operate with 500% more sustained current than state-of-the-art magnesium batteries, at a 40% higher working potential.” These properties could be exploited to make batteries for mobile devices that last longer between charges or deliver more power.

   Furthermore, magnesium’s high natural abundance means that magnesium-based rechargeable batteries could be an environmentally friendly solution. This work brings graphene batteries one step closer to the market. “Magnesium is one of the most sustainable metals in the world, and can be easily recycled – up to 100%,” Di Noto continues. “We hope that our work will contribute to the turning point towards the establishment of a greener and more sustainable energy economy.”

   Daniel Carriazo, Graphene Flagship Work Package Deputy for Energy Storage, comments: “As the production of lithium-ion batteries increases exponentially to fulfil the demand of new applications, it is necessary to develop alternative energy storage technologies made out of accessible and environmentally friendly materials.” Carriazo says that this work shows very promising results when a vanadium-based graphene composite is used as the positive electrode in a potassium-ion battery. “The incorporation of graphene enables fast charging, overcoming one of the limitations associated with this technology,” he continues.

   Andrea C. Ferrari, Science and Technology Officer of the Graphene Flagship and Chair of its Management Panel, adds: “Graphene and layered materials have recognised potential in energy storage, and graphene is already present in commercial devices. This approach tackles the need to produce more environmentally sustainable batteries, and thanks to the introduction of graphene oxide into the cathode, shows how magnesium could be used, which is easier to recycle. Sustainable development always guides the technology and innovation roadmap of the Graphene Flagship, and this research is yet another promising example.”

   References

   1. Gioele Pagot et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 167, 070547 (2020

   Photo credits: Graphene Flagship

4. LEVA-EU offers free Battery Transport Info through Cross-Industry Platform BatteriesTransport.org

   01/09/2020 15:35 Comments Off on LEVA-EU offers free Battery Transport Info through Cross-Industry Platform BatteriesTransport.org

   Brussels/Washington D.C., 1 September 2020 – The industry associations for batteries and battery-powered products RECHARGE, EPBA, EUROBAT, PRBA, EBRA, ACEA, MDBTC as well as LEVA-EU announced today the launch of a new information platform for the safe transportation, testing and packaging of battery cells, batteries, and vehicles and equipment containing batteries. With the aim of facilitating access to battery-specific transport information and raising awareness, the eight associations make available free and easy-to-understand content on the requirements as set out by the United Nations, the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and other transport regulations.

   The professional transport of battery-related articles – via air, sea or road – is subject to international, national and regional regulatory frameworks, which include comprehensive administrative and operational measures to ensure the safe transport at all times. The requirements apply to lead-, lithium-, nickel- and sodium-based batteries likewise.

   “Transporting an electro-chemical article, as a prototype, final product or waste, means that specific safety measures must be applied. Failing to comply with the obligations is not just a violation of these regulations but a safety risk that our industry is not willing to accept”, said the associations. “Representing a responsible industry, we want to ensure that everyone involved in the transport of our batteries and battery-containing products has access to the applicable requirements”.

   Free of charge, BatteriesTransport.org offers general information for shippers, transport operators and end-users. It also includes frequently asked questions and two dedicated eBooks with all relevant testing, packaging, labeling and reporting instructions per transport mode.

   LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck explains that is quite natural for LEVA-EU to participate in this initiative: “As a professional organization for LEV companies, we are fully focused on assisting our members in the application of all the rules that apply to Light Electric Vehicles. The rules regarding the transport of Li-Ion batteries cover an important chapter in this. A better understanding of the rules gives LEV companies easier access to the market, thereby promoting that market. That in turn contributes to making mobility more sustainable.”

   All visitors of BatteriesTransport.org have access to a free on-line version of the eBook on lithium batteries as well as to the FAQ page. LEVA-EU Members have access to the full version of the eBook and can submit specific questions on the transport of Li-Ion batteries to the experts of BatteriesTransport.org.

   BatteriesTransport.org works with some of the most respected experts in the industry to provide information that is clear, comprehensive and updated. The content is revised on a (bi-)annual basis to reflect the regular changes to the regulatory frameworks. Contact email@batteriestransport.org to support the initiative and help educate on the safe transport of batteries worldwide. Contact annick@leva-eu.com for further information on LEVA-EU.

5. BEBAT publishes 3rd E-book on E-mobility

   04/06/2020 08:33 Leave a Comment

   What will mobility look like in 2030? As of yet no one can answer this interesting question. Still, a number of clear evolutions are already starting to emerge that will fundamentally change our mobility as well as society in general. To sketch this vision of the future, Bebat asked experts from all areas of the mobility industry to gaze into their crystal ball.

   One of the interviewed experts is LEVA-EU Manager, Annick Roetynck. She predicts that by 2030, most cities will have banned cars alltogether. She believes cars will be replaced to a major extent in favour of  light electric vehicles such as e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-steps and other new light electric concepts.

   Bebat is the Belgain governing body for end-of-life batteries. In tandem with sorting centre Sortbat, Bebat has been an indispensable link in the economic value chain of batteries for more than a decade. In the past 6 years Bebat has collected, transported, stored and – if the customer so wishes – examined and dismantled well over 10,000 EV batteries.

   It is, of course, hard to predict what the mobility industry will look like in 2030. However, there is no doubt that a number of evolutions and trends will challenge the status quo. One thing is for certain: all these new and predominantly electric forms of mobility will generate an exponential growth of the number of batteries.

   This conclusion inspired Bebat to peruse a number of recent studies and consult with a broad range of experts from the energy industry, the automotive industry, the lease sector, the academic world and the logistics industry to get their take on the next 10 years. Their their visions have been gathered in the third edition of Bebat’s Ebook on E-Mobility.

   The E-book is available for free in English, French and Dutch online or as a downloadable version: https://ebooks.bebat.be/en

    

6. Environmentally-friendly graphene bio-inks for rechargeable batteries and energy storage devices

   30/04/2020 19:30 Leave a Comment

   Source ​Letizia Diamante @ Graphene Flagship – Researchers at Graphene Flagship partners Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, CIC EnergiGUNE and INCAR-CSIC, Spain, have produced rechargeable batteries and energy storage devices made of a non-toxic and environmentally friendly graphene-based material.

   With current metal-ion batteries reaching their theoretical limitations in terms of cycle life, capacity and power, researchers focused on metal-air alternatives, such as sodium-air (Na-O₂) batteries. Equipped with sodium anodes and oxygen-trapping cathodes, these devices have interesting and unique rechargeable capabilities: NaO₂ is produced when the battery drains its stored energy, which is then recycled back to form metallic sodium and oxygen when the battery charges.

   In this study, a cathode was made using a porous graphene-based aerogel. The Graphene Flagship team fabricated it by electrochemically exfoliating graphite foils with the help of molecules derived from DNA building blocks, such as adenosine monophosphate. These biomolecules insert into the graphite structure, causing the foils to swell. The foils are then scraped off and processed further, resulting in the formation of graphene flakes, around 1-2 nm in thickness and 400-600 nm in width.

   The Graphene Flagship researchers also highlighted a secondary function of these biomolecules: they are adsorbed on the surface of graphene, allowing the flakes to be dispersed in water. The resulting conductive ink is preferable over others that contain organic solvents for several reasons – above all, due to its low impact on the environment. The Graphene Flagship researchers then used a freeze-drying technique to transform the ink into an aerogel, suitable for the battery’s cathode. These new batteries could be recharged 50 times with an efficiency of 94%, which is a very competitive result that out-performs other graphene-based cathodes.

   “We believe that the phosphates in these biomolecules are the main reason for this success. These chemical groups allow NaO₂ to be recycled more quickly during the charging phase,” explains Nagore Ortiz-Vitoriano, from Graphene Flagship partner CIC EnergiGUNE, who co-authored this study.

   With no need for any additives, this graphene ink was also used for printing electrically conductive patterns as part of storage devices, such as micro-supercapacitors. These devices showed a remarkable performance, comparable to the current graphene-based devices, and retained around 75% of the initial performance after 5,000 charge/discharge cycles.

   “We will keep refining the structure of our devices and continue to improve their capacity and cycle life, as well as reducing the energy losses during operation,” says Jose Maria Munuera, from Graphene Flagship partner CSIC, and corresponding author of this study.

   “By demonstrating that an aqueous graphene-based bio-ink improves the performances of batteries and supercapacitors, this work provides a novel sustainable material solution to advance the field,” comments Vittorio Pellegrini, the Graphene Flagship’s Work Package Leader for Energy Storage.

   Andrea C. Ferrari, Science and Technology Officer of the Graphene Flagship and Chair of its Management Panel, adds: “Meeting the sustainable development goals is at the core of the Graphene Flagship science and innovation. Energy applications are amongst the promising impact areas for graphene and related materials. This works shows a sustainable approach for the production of graphene to be used in re-chargeable batteries, with a double advantage for the environment.”

   References

   J.M. Munuera, J.I. Paredes, M. Enterría, S. Villar-Rodil, A.G. Kelly, Y. Nalawade, J.N. Coleman, T. Rojo, N. Ortiz-Vitoriano, A. Martínez-Alonso, and J.M. Tascón. High Performance Na-O2 Batteries and Printed Microsupercapacitors Based on Water-Processable, Biomolecule-Assisted Anodic Graphene. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 12 (1), 494-506 (2019).

7. LEVA-EU Briefing on Technical Rules for Batteries

   14/01/2020 15:25 Leave a Comment

   LEVA-EU has a new briefing available  on the EU technical rules applying to batteries for light, electric vehicles, i.e. electric bicycles, electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles, electric monowheels, hoverboards, etc.

   In the briefing, we explain how battery rules depend on the legal framework that is applicable to the complete vehicle. The regulations for vehicles under type-approval are completely different from the regulations for vehicles under the Machine Directive.

   We provide a detailed overview of the requirements resulting from these two frameworks. We focus not only on electric bicycles up to 25 km/h and 250W, but also on electric bicycles in L1e-A and L1e-B (speed pedelecs), on electric mountain bikes, electric cargo bikes, electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles, etc.

   Further details on how to obtain this new briefing are here: https://leva-eu.com/rules-regulations-leva-eu-briefings-available/

8. Bebat: Belgian Battery Take Back Solution

   05/12/2019 17:35 Leave a Comment

   Make sure you are legally compliant when putting light electric vehicles onto the Belgian market

   Does your company import and/or sell battery-operated light electric vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, monowheels or other light elctric vehicle excluded from type approval onto the Belgian market? If so, you have to fulfil the take-back obligation. Read all about it in this article.

   The principle is simple: the Belgian take-back obligation requires you to take back your Belgian customers’ waste batteries from light electric vehicles. This legislation applies to all companies that import and/or sell battery-operated light electric vehicles, excluded from type-approval;  onto the Belgian market. The take-back obligation also applies to online sales and any other forms of distance selling by non-Belgian companies.

   Considering organising it yourself? Quite complex!

   The consequences of this legal obligation should not be underestimated. You are responsible for the collection and processing of waste batteries and accumulators. You must also draw up an individual waste prevention and management plan setting out how you comply with your obligations. These reports are to be submitted to the regional authorities: OVAM for the Flemish Region, Bruxelles Environnement for the Brussels Capital Region and DSD for the Walloon Region.

   Let Bebat take on your take-back obligation

   Complying with the take-back obligation is a considerable challenge, both logistically and administratively. Do you prefer to spend your time and energy on your core business? Then join Bebat, the collective management body established by the industry. They look after the practical implementation of the take-back obligation. Bebat collects the batteries at no cost and ensures that the used batteries are properly recycled. So all you have to do is to inform Bebat them how many and which types of batteries you brought to market.

   Are you compliant for 2020?

   In just 2 minutes, you can check whether you fulfil the obligations regarding the collection and recycling of batteries. And – if you’re not compliant right now – you can find out which solution is best for you.

   Do the test and discover if your company is legally compliant for 2020.

   www.bebat.be/en/do-test

9. Thüringen calls for ban on e-scooters with non-replaceable batteries

   17/10/2019 12:22 Leave a Comment

   The German region of Thüringen demands regulations aimed at imposing replaceable batteries on electric scooters. According to a recent motion in the Bundesrat by the Thüringer Prime Minister, such a ban would result in a reduction of (chemical) waste, in saving energy and therefore in making mobility more sustainable.

   While the main focus of the Thüringer motion is on electric scooters with non-replaceable batteries, is also includes electric mopeds, e-bikes and speed pedelecs, equipped with non-replaceable batteries. Vehicles with these types of batteries would cause an increasing amount waste and are therefore not in line with the German objective to change mobility (Verkehrswende). Thüringen also emphasizes that their proposal would be energy-saving.

   Since June 2019, e-scooters are allowed on public roads in Germany. According to the Federal Environment Agency, this has not yet produced a tangeable effect on mobility. While e-scooters constitute an additional mode of transport, the amount of waste they cause is an issue. Therefore, the motion calls on the federal government to act on this matter. They request the government to investigate whether such a ban is possible, either at German or European level. The government is expected to respond by the end of October.

   Source: Sazbike