Govt Moves to Develop Safety Standards for EV Batteries

Pakistan is taking steps to create specific standards for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) as the government seeks to boost local battery manufacturing and enhance safety within the rapidly growing EV sector. The Ministry of Industries has tasked the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority with initiating the development of lithium-ion vehicle battery standards.

This initiative aligns with the development of the Next Generation Energy Storage Policy 2026 to 2033, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework for energy storage and battery-related industries.

The proposed standards are designed to fill a critical gap in Pakistan's EV ecosystem. While existing standards apply to certain consumer lithium batteries, EV battery packs demand more rigorous safety and performance requirements due to their higher voltages and capacities. The framework will encompass battery cell safety and abuse testing, including extreme stress validation, mechanical crushing, overcharging, and thermal abuse. Cells must endure these tests without igniting, according to reports.

Battery Management Systems (BMS) are another key focus of the proposed standards. The framework intends to cover smart BMS systems that can promptly respond to overvoltage and undervoltage situations, which can cause battery cells to swell and pose safety hazards. Requirements will also include thermal defect logging and fire containment.

Battery packs must incorporate mechanisms to minimize heat transfer between cell modules during a single cell failure, utilizing fire-resistant materials like aerogel or fire-retardant epoxy sheets.

The government is also considering conditions specific to Pakistan. Proposed requirements involve road durability testing, where battery packs should withstand a one-meter drop onto bare concrete without structural cracks, leaks, or internal damage. Standards will also address dust protection, weatherproofing, and resistance to water exposure, including conditions caused by flooding and monsoon weather.

Pakistan is striving to increase EV adoption under its New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025 to 2030, aiming for EVs to constitute 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030. The Engineering Development Board is responsible for implementing this policy and supporting local EV manufacturing. The move could also foster the growth of a domestic EV battery industry.

The Engineering Development Board already covers local assembly of electric vehicles and battery manufacturing, while Pakistani EV assemblers have expressed interest in collaborating with the government on local lithium-ion battery assembly and cell manufacturing.