As a leading standardization research institution, I have witnessed the rapid evolution of the lithium-ion battery industry from its inception to its current global dominance. The development of lithium-ion batteries, since their invention in the early 1990s, has traversed distinct phases: initial monopoly by Japan, followed by competition between Japan and South Korea, and now a tripartite landscape with China, Japan, and South Korea. By 2008, Japan accounted for over half of global lithium-ion battery production. However, since 2015, driven by the rise of new energy vehicles in China, both the quality and quantity of lithium-ion batteries have improved dramatically, with China’s market share increasing steadily. According to latest data, from January to October 2022, China’s total lithium-ion battery output exceeded 580 GWh, including over 84 GWh for consumer applications and approximately 224 GWh installed for power vehicles, with exports growing by about 87% year-on-year. The advantages of lithium-ion batteries, such as high energy density, long cycle life, no memory effect, low self-discharge rate, and wide operating temperature range, have enabled their expansion from single-cell use in portable electronics to large-capacity systems with series-parallel configurations. Today, the primary drivers for lithium-ion battery industry growth are consumer electronics, power vehicles, and energy storage, with applications spanning smartphones, laptops, wearable devices, electric vehicles, and grid storage. Emerging fields like electric ships, commercial electric aircraft, and 5G-based infrastructure further broaden the horizons for lithium-ion battery innovation.
The diversification of lithium-ion battery applications and technological complexity necessitate a comprehensive standard system encompassing foundational norms, product specifications, and engineering guidelines. However, the swift pace of industry advancement often outpaces standard development, leading to fragmented technical references, inconsistent product quality, and undefined market entry barriers. Standardization serves as a crucial tool to regulate market order and guide technological progress. With continuous emergence of new products and technologies, both international and domestic standards require dynamic updates. There is a pressing need to strengthen standard formulation and revision, particularly for safety-focused mandatory national standards, to standardize safety designs and enhance product safety levels. Moreover, enforcing and supervising mandatory standards can effectively establish market thresholds and ensure consumer safety.
In response to frequent lithium-ion battery incidents in 2006-2007, including large-scale recalls by Japanese firms, the “Lithium-ion Battery Safety Standard Special Working Group” was established under the approval of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Later renamed the “MIIT Lithium-ion Battery and Similar Products Standard Working Group,” it is tasked with researching and maintaining the standard system for lithium-ion batteries in China, with a focus on promoting mandatory national standards. As the secretariat, I have coordinated nearly 332 member units, including leading battery manufacturers, pack integrators, host device companies, testing agencies, and research institutions. The group’s responsibilities involve developing standard systems, drafting national and industry standards, issuing resolutions on standard-related queries, and organizing participation in international standardization activities.
Under this framework, I have led the development and revision of over 50 lithium-ion battery standards, covering areas such as electronic devices, self-balancing vehicles, drones, power tools, electric wheelchairs, portable household appliances, toys, and children’s vehicles. Notably, I spearheaded the creation of two mandatory national standards: GB 31241-2014 “Safety Requirements for Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries Used in Portable Electronic Equipment” and GB 40165-2021 “Safety Technical Specification for Lithium-ion Cells and Batteries Used in Stationary Electronic Equipment.” These standards address critical safety aspects, including battery pack protection circuit requirements, high-temperature usage, and material flammability. For instance, GB 31241-2014, implemented in 2015 and cited in China’s Compulsory Product Certification (CCC), introduced innovative test methods for overcharge and thermal abuse. Its technical contributions, such as multiple proposals based on this standard, have been incorporated into international standards like IEC 62133-2 and IEC 62368-1, earning recognition from global experts and awards like the “2022 China Standards Innovation Contribution Award”二等奖. Additionally, another mandatory national standard for energy storage systems, “Safety Requirements for Lithium Batteries and Battery Packs for Electrical Energy Storage Systems,” is currently under approval.
In the realm of international standardization, I serve as the domestic focal point for IEC/SC21A (Subcommittee for Alkaline and Non-acidic Secondary Cells and Batteries), which is responsible for standards for secondary batteries excluding those for electric road vehicles. I actively participate in developing key international standards, such as IEC 62133 for portable lithium-ion batteries, IEC 62619 for industrial batteries, IEC 62281 for transportation safety, IEC 63056 for power storage lithium-ion batteries, and IEC 63057 for automotive starting batteries. Notably, IEC 62133-2:2017, which I contributed to, incorporates elements from GB 31241-2014 and has become a globally influential safety standard adopted in certifications like CB, PSE, KC, BIS, and TISI. This underscores the synergy between domestic and international standardization efforts for lithium-ion batteries.
To support industry management, I assist regulatory authorities in implementing the “Lithium-ion Battery Industry Specification Conditions,” which have been updated in 2016, 2018, and 2021 to guide industry upgrading and safe development. These conditions reference mandatory standards like GB 31241 and GB 40165. Since their inception, I have supported the review and on-site verification of enterprises applying for compliance, with six batches totaling 70 qualified companies announced. Regular economic analysis reports are provided to inform policy decisions. Furthermore, I developed the “Comprehensive Standardization Technical System for Lithium-ion Batteries” to address the need for a holistic approach across the entire industry chain and product lifecycle. The system, initially released in 2016 and revised in 2022, includes five categories: Basic General, Materials and Components, Design and Processes, Manufacturing and Testing Equipment, and Battery Products, encompassing 231 standards. A summary of key categories is presented in the table below:
| Category | Sub-categories | Number of Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Basic General | Terminology, Classification, Safety Fundamentals | 35 |
| Materials and Components | Cathode/Anode Materials, Electrolytes, Separators | 52 |
| Design and Processes | Cell Design, Pack Assembly, Thermal Management | 48 |
| Manufacturing and Testing Equipment | Production Machinery, Testing Instruments | 41 |
| Battery Products | Consumer, Power, Storage Applications | 55 |
The standard system emphasizes the integration of performance and safety metrics. For example, key parameters for lithium-ion batteries can be expressed through formulas such as energy density $$E = \frac{C \times V}{m}$$ where \(E\) is energy density (Wh/kg), \(C\) is capacity (Ah), \(V\) is voltage (V), and \(m\) is mass (kg). Similarly, cycle life degradation often follows an empirical model: $$C_n = C_0 \times e^{-\alpha n}$$ where \(C_n\) is capacity after \(n\) cycles, \(C_0\) is initial capacity, and \(\alpha\) is a degradation coefficient. These formulas help standardize testing and evaluation across the lithium-ion battery industry.
To complement standardization, I have established a robust testing service platform since 2008, with capabilities covering consumer, power, and storage lithium-ion batteries. The platform includes over 300 testing equipment units, supporting voltage ranges from millivolts to 750 V, current ranges from microamperes to 900 A, and nearly 3,000 test channels. With branches in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, I hold 56 CMA and CNAS accreditations for standards including GB, IEC, UN, JIS, and UL. Annually, I service over 300 enterprises and conduct more than 2,000 battery product tests. This platform supports initiatives like the National Green Battery Product Quality Inspection Center and the Green Battery Evaluation and Analysis Key Laboratory, enhancing industry safety and reliability.
The importance of safety in lithium-ion batteries cannot be overstated, especially given incidents in areas like electric bicycles and energy storage stations. Standards play a pivotal role in mitigating risks. For instance, safety tests for lithium-ion batteries include overcharge, short circuit, and thermal runaway evaluations. A summary of common safety tests is provided below:
| Test Type | Description | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Overcharge Test | Charging beyond rated capacity to evaluate stability | GB 31241, IEC 62133-2 |
| Short Circuit Test | Simulating internal/external short circuits | GB 40165, IEC 62619 |
| Thermal Abuse Test | Exposing batteries to high temperatures | UN 38.3, IEC 62281 |
| Crush Test | Applying mechanical pressure to cells | SJ/T 11778, UL 1642 |
These tests ensure that lithium-ion batteries meet stringent safety criteria before deployment. Furthermore, the evolution of lithium-ion battery technology drives continuous standard updates. For example, emerging applications like drones and smart grid storage require tailored standards. I actively engage in drafting specifications for these niches, such as SJ/T 11778 for portable household appliances and SJ/T 11796 for e-cigarette batteries. The interdisciplinary nature of lithium-ion battery systems also calls for standards addressing interoperability, such as communication protocols for battery management systems (BMS). A simplified BMS voltage monitoring formula is: $$V_{\text{cell}} = \frac{V_{\text{pack}}}{N} + \Delta V$$ where \(V_{\text{cell}}\) is individual cell voltage, \(V_{\text{pack}}\) is total pack voltage, \(N\) is number of cells, and \(\Delta V\) is balancing offset.
Looking ahead, the lithium-ion battery industry will continue to expand, with innovations in solid-state batteries, fast-charging technologies, and recycling processes. Standardization must keep pace by fostering collaboration among stakeholders. I will persist in refining standard systems, enhancing testing capabilities, and supporting regulatory efforts. By bridging innovation and quality assurance, standards for lithium-ion batteries can propel the industry toward safer, more sustainable growth. The integration of domestic and international standards, coupled with rigorous testing, ensures that lithium-ion batteries remain reliable power sources for diverse applications, from everyday electronics to large-scale energy solutions.
In conclusion, as the lithium-ion battery landscape evolves, the role of standardization becomes increasingly critical. Through comprehensive standard development, active international participation, and robust industry support, I aim to foster an environment where lithium-ion battery technologies thrive safely and efficiently. The journey from basic research to market implementation relies on a cohesive framework of standards, and I am committed to advancing this framework for the benefit of global industries and consumers alike. The future of lithium-ion batteries hinges on continuous improvement in safety, performance, and sustainability—goals that are inherently supported by diligent standardization efforts.