UL 1974 2023-11 PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/CAN/UL 1974:2023 — Standard for Safety: Evaluation for Repurposing or Remanufacturing Batteries. This edition (published November 10, 2023) provides requirements and procedures for the sorting, grading, testing, marking, packaging and application-specific requirements for battery packs, modules, cells and electrochemical capacitors being evaluated for repurposed or remanufactured use (for example, EV batteries reused in energy storage systems).

Abstract

UL 1974 (2nd edition, 2023) defines a safety-focused evaluation framework to support second‑life and remanufacturing pathways for electrochemical storage devices. Key additions in this edition include explicit requirements for routine maintenance tests and diagnosis, clarification of calendar expiration date treatment for used components, and expanded provisions covering remanufactured/reconditioned batteries that may not have previously been evaluated to a safety standard. The updates aim to support battery circularity while mitigating safety risks.

General information

• Status: Current (published national/joint Canada–U.S. standard).
• Publication date: November 10, 2023.
• Publisher: Underwriters Laboratories (ANSI/CAN designation: ANSI/CAN/UL).
• ICS / categories: 29.220 (Batteries; electrochemical storage).
• Edition / version: ANSI/CAN/UL 1974:2023 — second edition (revises UL 1974 Ed. 1-2018).
• Number of pages: 44 pages (PDF/publication length reported by standards distributors).

Scope

The standard covers the sorting and grading process for battery packs, modules, cells and electrochemical capacitors originally used for other purposes (for example, electric vehicle propulsion) that are intended for repurposed uses (such as stationary energy storage) and includes application‑specific requirements for repurposed assemblies. It also addresses the sorting and grading process for remanufactured, reconditioned or rebuilt batteries that may not have been previously evaluated to a safety standard; it explicitly excludes aftermarket repair/replacement of OEM batteries by entities other than the OEM or its designated agents.

Key topics and requirements

• Sorting and grading procedures for packs, modules and cells (acceptance and rejection criteria).
• Diagnostic and routine maintenance test requirements to verify health and safety of repurposed units.
• Application-specific performance and integration requirements for repurposed battery systems.
• Marking, labeling, packaging, shipping and documentation requirements for repurposed/remanufactured products.
• Clarification of calendar expiration date handling for used components and limits on reuse.
• Requirements covering remanufactured/rebuilt batteries that previously lacked safety evaluation.
• Risk-mitigation and safety verification steps to reduce hazards (thermal, electrical, mechanical) in second‑life use.

Typical use and users

Primary users include battery repurposing and remanufacturing facilities, EV OEMs and their remanufacturing programs, integrators and manufacturers of stationary energy storage using second‑life cells or modules, independent test laboratories, certification bodies, and regulators developing safety or permitting requirements for reuse facilities. UL provides facility certification and testing services aligned to this standard.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or relevant to UL 1974 include industry and transport safety standards and battery application standards such as UL 2580 (Batteries for Use in Electric Vehicles), UL 1973 (stationary and motive batteries), UL 1642/62133 (cell-level requirements), IEC 62133 / IEC 62619 (secondary lithium cell/battery safety), and transport/UN testing requirements (UN 38.3). These documents address cell/system design, abuse testing, and transport which complement the evaluation and reuse focus of UL 1974.

Keywords

battery repurposing; remanufacturing; second‑life batteries; EV battery reuse; sorting and grading; battery diagnostics; energy storage systems; safety evaluation; battery marking; expiration date.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UL 1974 (ANSI/CAN/UL 1974:2023) is a safety evaluation standard that provides requirements and procedures for assessing batteries, modules and packs for repurposing or remanufacturing into secondary applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sorting, grading, diagnostic testing, application‑specific requirements, marking/packaging/shipping, routine maintenance testing and rules for remanufactured or reconditioned batteries that may not have prior safety evaluations. It excludes aftermarket OEM battery repair by non‑OEM entities.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Battery repurposing/remanufacturing facilities, EV OEMs and remanufacturers, integrators of second‑life energy storage, test labs, certification bodies and regulators. UL also offers facility certification services tied to this standard.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the 2023 edition (published November 10, 2023) is the latest published edition and revises UL 1974 Edition 1 (2018).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of battery and energy‑storage safety standards and is used together with application and transport standards (for example UL 2580, UL 1973, IEC 62133, UN 38.3) rather than as a numbered series extension.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Repurposing, remanufacturing, second‑life, sorting and grading, diagnostics, EV battery, energy storage, safety evaluation, marking, expiration date.