Choosing the Right Automotive Battery
Most modern vehicles use a 12-volt automotive battery to start the engine and power the accessories. Choosing the right one is important.
Start with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for battery group size, found in the owner’s manual. The group size determines the physical dimensions, terminal locations and type of battery required for a given car or truck.
Safety
Automotive batteries are the source of electrical energy for a vehicle and generate electrochemical power through the conversion of the lead-acid solution stored within. The acid, although diluted with water, is still highly corrosive and can damage alloy steel, metal, pets and humans. Consequently, battery maintenance and replacement should always be performed in an appropriate manner.
Aside from routine inspections, a battery should be kept away from flammable materials such as cigarettes, flames and sparks. Batteries should also be stored in a cool, dry place. Performing regular maintenance on the battery is a good idea as it helps prevent corrosion of the terminals. Corrosion can reduce the flow of electricity and lead to short circuits. Cleaning the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and automotive battery water is one way to keep them in good condition. Coke can work just as well – just remember to rinse everything off with clean water when you’re finished.
Many EV batteries have integrated thermal protection mats that insulate the pack cells/modules from the case, which can prevent them from burning and exploding in a crash. There are also pyrofuses in the EV battery that can be activated by impact sensors to shut down cells/modules or cut off current completely if a vehicle is involved in a crash. Ideally, a disconnect switch should be easily accessible to first responders in the event of a crash.
Storage
Automotive batteries should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from metals and other battery types. This will help minimize electrical drain during storage and prevent the formation of lead sulfate, which can harden on the plates of the battery and cause it to lose its charge. It’s a good idea to disconnect the battery from its terminals before storing it, as well. Start by removing the negative cable – it’s the black one – then use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove the positive terminal.
Energy storage batteries are a type of power battery that store energy for use later. They are used for a variety of applications including electric vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems and grid storage. According to the GlobalData report Innovation in Automotive: EV Battery Storage Units, some electric car batteries can be reused as stationary energy storage after they’ve reached the end of their service life.
If you’re storing a large number of auto batteries in your showroom or parts and service department, consider investing in an automotive battery storage rack that can improve workflow and help protect the integrity of your inventory. A specialized car battery storage rack can accommodate up to 96 batteries while keeping them safe from damage. It also has a clean design that allows for live product presentation and features phenolic casters to prevent marking up floors.
Transport
Automotive batteries fall under the category of miscellaneous hazardous materials and can pose dangerous conditions during transportation. It’s critical for supply chain professionals to follow strict protocols when transporting these power sources to prevent any accidents.
Shipping EV batteries requires special packaging that can withstand rigorous testing to ensure safe and secure movement. These tests include drop tests that examine the ability of the packaging to resist impact. They also test the thermal stability of the battery.
The EV market is rapidly growing, and as a result, the transport of these batteries is becoming increasingly complex. This is due to their large size, which makes them more difficult to ship than smaller batteries.
To comply with regulations, EV batteries must be packaged in special containers and have a specific Hazardous Goods Declaration (HGD). This is necessary to identify them as a hazardous material, and to provide details on their handling, storage and transport.
The HGD must also contain emergency response information and provide the driver with detailed instructions on how to handle them. It must also specify the UN number, shipping name, hazard class, packing group and total quantity.
Additionally, the batteries must be securely fastened to a vehicle and a 250 x 250 mm corrosive diamond must be displayed on the transport vehicle. Placarding is required if the batteries contain an aggregate amount of more than 1000L of electrolyte.
Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials
Automotive batteries are a quintessential example of hazardous materials that require meticulous handling to avoid accidents and environmental damage. Whether a battery is a traditional lead-acid or a lithium-ion power source, it must be handled according to strict safety protocols when transporting, storing, or disposing of it. By being aware of the hazard classifications that are associated with these power sources, individuals can be more proactive in following proper protocol and mitigating risks.
For example, a lead-acid battery is classified as Hazard Class 8 due to the corrosive sulfuric acid electrolyte inside. This can cause severe chemical burns to skin and eyes if not handled properly. It solid state ev battery companies also poses a risk to surrounding environments through the potential for leaks and corrosion.
AGM or dry-cell batteries are not as corrosive but still fall into Hazard Class 9 since they can be easily burned or damaged during transportation or storage. Other key hazards that automotive batteries pose include toxic lead exposure, fire/explosion risks from short circuits, and environmental pollution.
Being aware of the hazard classes that are associated with these materials can help individuals and businesses mitigate risks when shipping or handling them. Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are essential to ensure that all necessary DOT regulations for the safe transportation of hazardous materials are met. It is also a good idea to consult with major carriers, such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS, regarding their specific rules and charges for shipping certain items like automotive batteries.
