In the fast-growing global electric mobility market, safety and compliance are key for lithium battery makers. Electric bicycles, scooters, and light electric vehicles (LEVs) are becoming extremely popular in Europe. Because of this, the European Union (EU) has made safety rules for battery systems stricter. Among these, EN 50604-1 certification is the most important safety requirement for lithium batteries sent to the EU.
Dongguan YiZhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. is a lithium battery manufacturer in China. Following EN 50604 is not just a rule for them. It shows their commitment to quality, safety, and customer trust.
1.Understanding the Importance of EN 50604 Certification
The European market is one of the most regulated and safety-conscious regions in the world. Any lithium battery for electric mobility must follow strict safety and performance rules. This includes batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters, AGVs, and other light electric vehicles.
The EN 50604-1 standard is about secondary lithium batteries. Specifically for light electric vehicles (LEVs).
This part covers general safety requirements and test methods. This standard helps ensure that lithium battery systems are safe. It applies to both normal and unusual situations.
Simply put, without EN 50604 certification, batteries cannot legally or safely enter the EU market. Importers, distributors, and manufacturers must ensure compliance before selling any product or clearing it through customs.
2.What Exactly Is EN 50604-1?
EN 50604-1 sets the safety rules and testing methods for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Manufacturers use these batteries in light electric vehicles. The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) created it. Its goal is to align European safety rules with international standards like IEC 62133 and IEC 62660.
This standard focuses on verifying a battery system’s ability to withstand electrical, mechanical, and environmental stresses. Tests cover everything from overcharge and short circuit protection to thermal stability, vibration, impact, and drop resistance.
The goal of EN 50604-1 is to prevent catastrophic failures such as:
- Thermal runaway
- Fire or explosion
- Leakage and short circuits
- Electrical shock
- Mechanical damage leading to safety risks
By passing EN 50604-1 testing, a manufacturer shows that its batteries are safe, stable, and durable. They work well even in tough conditions.
3. Why Lithium Batteries Need EN 50604 Certification for EU Export
Exporting lithium batteries to Europe is not as simple as shipping a finished product. The EU has a set of rules called the CE marking system. This system makes sure all products meet safety, health, and environmental standards in Europe.
a. CE Certification Requirement
To affix the CE mark, the entire product — including the battery pack — must comply with all relevant directives. For light electric vehicles, EN 50604-1 is the main standard. The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Machinery Directive reference it.
Without EN 50604 compliance:
- Your product cannot obtain CE certification.
- It may fail customs inspection.
- European distributors may refuse it or recall it from the market.
b. Integration with Vehicle Standards
EN 50604-1 is a required part of the EN 15194 certification for e-bikes. This standard ensures the safety and performance of electrically power-assisted bicycles (EPACs).
This means that even if your vehicle passes EN 15194, you cannot certify it. The battery pack must also pass EN 50604-1 testing first.
c. Customer Trust and Market Reputation
European customers are highly sensitive to product safety. EN 50604 certification demonstrates that an independent party has tested your battery pack for safety. This boosts your brand’s credibility, opens export opportunities, and reduces after-sales risks.
4.EN 50604-1 Testing Requirements and Procedures
EN 50604-1 certification involves a comprehensive series of safety tests performed at accredited laboratories. These tests simulate real-world hazards that batteries might face during manufacturing, transport, and daily operation.
| **Category** | **Examples of Tests** |
| **Electrical Safety** | Overcharge, over-discharge, external short circuit, overcurrent, and reverse polarity tests |
| **Thermal Safety** | High-temperature storage, thermal cycling, temperature shock, and heat exposure tests |
| **Mechanical Integrity** | Vibration, drop, crush, and impact resistance tests |
| **Environmental Resistance** | Humidity cycling, salt spray, and corrosion tests |
| **System-Level Safety** | Verification of BMS protections, insulation, and enclosure fire resistance |
All these tests check if the battery pack stays stable, safe, and cool in extreme conditions.
5.EN 50604 vs UL 2271 vs EN 62133
To better understand the scope of EN 50604-1, it’s helpful to compare it with similar international standards:
| **Standard** | **Region** | **Application** | **Key Features** |
| **EN 50604-1** | European Union | Light electric vehicles (e-bikes, scooters, etc.) | Comprehensive system-level testing for vehicle batteries |
| **UL 2271** | United States | Light electric vehicles | Similar to EN 50604, required for U.S. compliance |
| **EN/IEC 62133-2** | Global | Portable and small devices | Focused on cell-level testing, not sufficient for LEV batteries |
In summary:
EN 50604-1 = for the battery system in European LEVs
UL 2271 = for the battery system in American LEVs
EN 62133-2 = for cell-level testing in consumer electronics
For manufacturers targeting both markets, obtaining both EN 50604 and UL 2271 certifications ensures full global compliance.
6. How Dongguan YiZhan Electronics Ensures Full Compliance
Dongguan YiZhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. is a top lithium battery maker in China. We dedicate ourselves to providing safe and reliable power solutions for customers around the world.
Many manufacturers widely use our batteries in electric bicycles, scooters, AGVs, medical devices, and energy storage systems. We know that each market has its own rules. We include compliance in every step of our design and production process.
a. Advanced Safety Design
- Smart Battery Management System (BMS) with real-time protection against overcharge, over-discharge, short circuits, and overheating.
- Robust aluminum alloy and ABS housings designed to resist impact and water ingress (IP65+).
- Use of high-quality cells from trusted brands to ensure long cycle life and stable performance.
b. Complete Certification Portfolio
YiZhan batteries have obtained a wide range of international certifications, including:
- EN 50604-1 (EU safety standard for LEV batteries)
- CE (European Conformity)
- UL 2271 / UL 2580 (U.S. safety standards)
- UN38.3 (transport safety)
- MSDS and IEC 62133
These certifications demonstrate YiZhan’s technical strength and commitment to global safety standards.
c. Rigorous In-House Testing
Before any battery leaves our factory, it undergoes strict internal tests covering:
- Voltage and current protection validation
- Vibration and drop tests
- Thermal cycling and humidity exposure
- Long-term charge/discharge performance
Our quality control system follows ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, ensuring that every product meets international benchmarks.
7.The Benefits of EN 50604-Certified Batteries for Customers
Choosing an EN 50604-certified battery provides tangible benefits to OEMs, distributors, and end users:
a. Guaranteed Safety
All critical risks — fire, explosion, and electrical shock — are minimized through standardized testing and design safeguards.
b. Faster Market Access
Products with EN 50604 certification can quickly pass CE compliance, reducing approval time and avoiding costly re-testing.
c. Enhanced Brand Reputation
Certified batteries reflect professionalism, technical capability, and a strong commitment to consumer safety — essential factors for winning contracts with European brands.
d. Reduced After-Sales Risk
By eliminating hidden safety hazards, certified batteries help manufacturers and distributors avoid warranty claims, recalls, and legal disputes.
e. Competitive Advantage
In a market where quality and trust matter, having EN 50604-certified products makes your brand stand out. This certification helps you build long-term partnerships with European clients.
8.Conclusion: Building Safer and Smarter Power Systems for the Future
As the demand for sustainable mobility continues to grow, battery safety and compliance will remain central to market success. The EN 50604-1 certification is not just a rule. A promise of safety, reliability, and care for consumers and the environment exists.
By following EN 50604, YiZhan makes it easier to enter the European market. This also helps build trust with partners around the world. Our mission is simple:
To power every electric journey safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
About Dongguan YiZhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Dongguan YiZhan Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. is a skilled lithium battery maker. They focus on research, design, and production. They create custom battery packs for e-bikes, scooters, AGVs, and energy storage systems. With smart BMS protection, a waterproof design, and full international certifications, YiZhan offers complete battery solutions to customers worldwide.
