How to secure a battery manufacturer
There are over 300 gigafactories worldwide, with a total capacity of 6,388 GWh. Some will say this is a reassuring figure, given the continued high demand for lithium batteries. Others will stand by, critical of this knowledge and wondering if there are any risks with so many players in the battery market. And there are, indeed, some difficulties.
Challenge to choose the right battery manufacturer
One of the most significant risks in selecting a battery manufacturer is receiving a low-quality product that does not meet the required specifications or standards. As a result, several penalties are imposed, including:
- Safety risks. Low-quality batteries can cause overheating, fires, and explosions. This has become a major issue, particularly in the United States, where lithium batteries have been responsible for over 200 fires in the last year.
- Performance issues. Low-quality batteries may not perform as expected or have a shorter lifespan than expected. This can result in high costs for downtime, maintenance, or replacement.
- Reputation damage. If a low-quality battery causes safety or performance issues, it can damage the reputation of the company or organization that uses it. This can have long-term consequences on customer trust and loyalty.
This is not something you want to be confronted with. As a result, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of how to select the best battery manufacturer. This article will walk you through the process of making the right decision, including all of the steps necessary for a successful outcome.
Securing the right battery manufacturer – step by step
Sparq Technology has developed a clear structure that is guided by our engineering specialist. We considered several criteria that are critical for selecting the best battery. We created a special document based on these criteria that shows the entire process of qualifying a manufacturer step by step. By adhering to the structure, we ensure that nothing is overlooked along the way, allowing our customers to rest easily at night.
Step 1
To qualify the manufacturer
To validate your choice, send a request with specific questions to the manufacturer, where the responsible engineer can provide you with all information about their products. The manufacturer team must provide specific certifications: Quality certifications of the company, i.e. ISO 9001, 18001 etc. and safety certifications of the products, i.e. IEC- and UL-standards.
Simultaneously, a request for manufacturer financial results must be approved using a D&B-report. The profitability of a manufacturer will indicate how effectively a company generates profits and value for their partners. If you have to deal with a less profitable company, you have fewer options for making production demands.
Step 2
Audit of the manufacturer
A physical visit to the factory is recommended before making a final decision. This will give you an understanding of the organization and the overall environment within the factory. You will be able to inspect things such as equipment, working conditions, and work processes. As a potential client, you will have the opportunity to question and comment on anything that is uncertain.
A digital audit is sometimes possible. The entire process is then displayed on a digital screen, where you can select which parts of the tour you want to see. A responsible factory employee displays the production process, including everything from the appearance of the raw material to the battery mixing and the final result.
There are two options for battery production: automated and manual battery manufacturing. Because of the lower risk of injury and loss of product quality, the automated solution is far superior to the manual. However, the automated solution is significantly more expensive, resulting in a higher cost for the batteries.
A sample of battery determines the quality
A couple of battery tests are required in addition to the manufacturing audit. The first step is to make a visual inspection of the battery: define the product’s quality in comparison to what the manufacturer has promised. The battery visuality, packaging, dimension, and other factors are all taken into account here – everything that will affect battery performance must be considered.
The electrical performance of the battery sample must also be tested. Different processes must be used to test the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage), internal resistance, capacity, cycle life etc. The manufacturer provides these steps, and all of the data is compiled on the datasheet that a client receives along with the battery sample.
A proven Battery manufacturer – the last step
The time has come to involve the rest of the team after everything has been approved and the production is ready for a new supplier. Other divisions of each company are discussing and negotiating code of conducts, payment terms, supply chain, and other details. Soon, you’ll shake your hands and exhale, knowing that a new assignment is ready to be placed in a special folder in your office.
Let us take care of the whole process
The qualification process may appear to be lengthy. And, to be honest, it’s a lot of work that needs to be done every time you’re interested in a new battery manufacturer. But because we’ve done it before, our team is quite adept at this type of project. So that our clients can relax knowing that everything is being handled by a professional team of engineers.
Does it appear that we will be the ones to provide you with the appropriate type of batteries? Let´s get in touch then!