Europe took a different tack. The Eurobat Guide for the Specification of Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Stationary Cells and Batteries defines design life as follows: “The design life is the estimated life determined under laboratory conditions, and is quoted at 20°C using the manufacturer’s recommended float voltage conditions.” 6
Lead–acid batteries exist in a large variety of designs and sizes. There are vented or valve regulated batteries. Products are ranging from small sealed batteries with about 5 Ah (e.g., used for motor cycles) to large vented industrial battery systems for traction purposes with up to 500 Ah.
Technical progress with battery design and the availability of new materials have enabled the realization of completely maintenance-free lead–acid battery systems [1,3]. Water losses by electrode gassing and by corrosion can be suppressed to very low rates.
The Regulation entered into force on 17 August 2023 and repeals the Batteries Directive (Directive 2006/66/EC). It continues to restrict the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries and introduces a restriction for lead in portable batteries. It also aims to: reduce environmental and social impacts throughout the entire battery life cycle.
Uwe Koehler, in Electrochemical Power Sources: Fundamentals, Systems, and Applications, 2019 Lead–acid batteries exist in a large variety of designs and sizes. There are vented or valve regulated batteries.
Accidental inclusion of LIBs in lead battery recycling has proven hazardous, and better safety and recyclinge protocols are needed. The technical challenges facing lead–acid batteries are a consequence of the complex interplay of electrochemical and chemical processes that occur at multiple length scales.