On 17 August 2023, the EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries (the “New Battery Regulation”) officially entered into force. This Regulation is not only a key pillar of the European Green Deal but also the first circular economy legislation covering the entire battery life cycle.
For “electric vehicle batteries”, one core requirement is that, from 18 August 2024, all electric vehicle batteries placed on the EU market must be accompanied by a document containing specified performance and durability parameters.
To unify and standardise test methods, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the harmonised standard EN 18060:2025 Road vehicles – Rechargeable batteries with internal energy storage – Performance and durability of EV modules and batteries with alkaline-ion (Li-ion, Na-ion), Pb, NiMH and combinations thereof chemistries on 1 October 2025, providing a scientific and unified specification for the performance and durability testing of electric vehicle batteries.
Scope: Covers Chemistries, Levels and States
Chemistries: lithium-ion (Li-ion), sodium-ion (Na-ion), lead-acid (Pb), nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and hybrid chemistries.
Levels: cell, module, pack and system.
States: new (original), re-used (from second-life applications) and remanufactured batteries.
Alignment with the Regulation
EN 18060 directly aligns with the performance and durability parameters set out in Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. For companies, tests carried out in strict accordance with this standard provide proof of compliance with the Regulation’s requirements. This greatly resolves the previous lack of standardised methods and reduces communication and verification costs.
Correspondence Between EN 18060 and the Battery Regulation
| Requirement of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 | Clause(s)/Subclause(s) of this EN | Remarks/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part A, 1. | 6.3 | Rated capacity and capacity fade |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part A, 2. | 6.6 | Power and power fade |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part A, 3. | 6.4 | Internal resistance and internal resistance increase |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part A, 4. | 6.7 | Energy round trip efficiency and its fade |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part A, 5. | 6.11 | Expected lifetime |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part B, 1. | 6.2 | Applied discharge rate and charge rate in the standard cycle |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part B, 2. | 6.10 | Ratio of nominal battery power and battery energy |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part B, 3. | 6.11 | Depth of discharge |
| Article 10 Paragraph 1, Annex IV, part B, 4. | 6.6 | Power capability at 20% and 80% charge level |
Clear Technical Data / Points
EN 18060 provides unambiguous test methods for performance indicators such as capacity, power and cycle life, turning the Regulation’s principle “hard constraints” into quantifiable and implementable parameters. It is not only a testing guide but also an indispensable “technical passport” for electric vehicle batteries to enter the European market.
EN 18060:2025 has been transposed into the national standards of EU Member States by 30 April 2026 at the latest, and any conflicting national standards have been withdrawn. From now on, performance and durability testing for electric vehicle batteries shall be carried out uniformly in accordance with this standard.
How MCM Can Support Your Business?
MCM’s professional team has long-term expertise in battery testing, certification and compliance. We provide first-hand, practical interpretation of standards and regulations.
Our services cover one-stop CE certification solutions covering LVD, EMC and the New Battery Regulation, including specific regulatory training, product testing and full technical support.
For an assessment of whether your products meet the New Battery Regulation requirements or for more details on the standards, please contact us. MCM looks forward to working with you and seizing the opportunities on the European market together.
