Track 3: Large Format Batteries – Current Standards and Practices for Large Format Batteries
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Summary
As required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), EPA is developing best practices for state, Tribal, and local governments to recycle batteries in a manner that is technically and economically feasible, environmentally sound and safe, and optimizes the value and use of materials, including critical materials.
On April 24, 2025, EPA hosted a virtual working session on an overview of the current policy landscape, attitudes, and trends around large format batteries, as part of the EPA’s battery collection best practices initiative and voluntary labeling guidelines initiative. For purposes of these discussions, large format batteries are rechargeable batteries over 25 pounds and often used in electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles; other motive equipment; and stationary energy storage systems. This working session will provide an overview of the current policy landscape, attitudes, and trends around large format batteries.
The working session began with EPA providing an overview of the scope of large format batteries and the objectives of the battery collection best practices toolkit and voluntary labeling guidelines. Presentations opened with the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment and Call2Recycle Canada, who outlined current electric vehicle (EV) battery management practices, policy trends, and challenges associated with batteries that have diminished or uncertain resale value, such as orphaned units or those lacking documentation. Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) followed with a discussion on decommissioning and end-of-life considerations for stationary energy storage systems, emphasizing cost drivers, safety planning, and regulatory requirements. The final presentation from SAE International and Li-Bridge introduced ongoing efforts to develop a national battery traceability standard that aligns with international regulations and supports battery data transparency across the supply chain. Throughout the session, speakers shared insights on the logistics, risks, and infrastructure needed to manage large format batteries at end of life.
Participants asked questions throughout the working session; these questions and answers are summarized in the slides linked below.