China tests hauling dangerous EV battery cargo by rail to meet spiking demand

CATL and BYD batteries transported in purpose-built containers, with ultimate aim of delivery from western China to Europe in around 20 days

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On Tuesday, a train is shown loaded with lithium batteries at Dulaying international land-sea logistics port in Guiyang, in Guizhou province. Xinhua said 3 trains loaded with lithium batteries left from Chongqing, Guiyang and Yibin on Tuesday, marking the first large-scale test of rail transport for the batteries in China. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 8:05pm, 20 Nov 2024Updated: 9:23pm, 20 Nov 2024

China has started transporting power lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles by domestic rail, paving the way for future exports through the China-Europe Railway Express.

Tailored containers carrying power lithium-ion batteries from Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and BYD – two of the world’s largest power battery makers – started their first rail journey on Tuesday under a pilot programme, state news agency Xinhua reported.

The plan is for the containers to be used by the China-Europe Railway Express, a logistical hub meant to help cut the delivery time from western China to most European countries to around 20 days.

China relied mainly on ocean shipping for its US$65 billion in lithium battery exports last year. The sea journey takes at least 45 days to reach Europe.

A Xinhua commentary described the development as “a major step forward in the transportation of these vehicle batteries” for China, the world’s largest producer of lithium batteries.

Power lithium batteries are listed as dangerous goods by the United Nations. Transporting them is considered risky because they could burn or explode if jolted.

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