Position Paper

Energy Content of Lithium Batteries in Air Cargo

Jan 02, 2025

Abstract

This position paper advocates extending the 30% State of Charge (SOC) limit, currently applied to bulk lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480), to lithium-ion batteries packed in equipment (UN 3481) when transported as air cargo. The increasing energy density of lithium batteries and recent fire incidents suggest that, despite the protective role of the equipment, the current protective measures are insufficient. Implementing the 30% SOC limit for batteries packed in equipment would enhance air safety and reduce the likelihood of uncontrolled fire events in air cargo.