Thermal Runaway Reduction Act

The Thermal Runaway Reduction Act (HR 9588) requires the U.S. Transportation Secretary to update safety testing standards for lithium-ion batteries during transport and mandate that most batteries be shipped at no more than 30% charge capacity. This directly affects battery manufacturers, shippers, and transportation companies handling lithium-ion batteries under UN 3536 transport regulations. Key provisions include revising UN safety tests to better withstand transport impacts and requiring batteries (except small cells) to be offered for transport at ≤30% charge, with exceptions only for approved higher-charge shipments. The law aims to reduce the risk of thermal runaway - dangerous overheating - in battery transport accidents.