Counterfeit lithium-ion batteries are a major concern across many sectors such as; consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. In consumer electronics, counterfeit batteries are often visually indistinguishable from genuine products, making them extremely difficult to detect through appearance alone.
According to a 2018 study by the EUIPO, it is estimated that counterfeit batteries (including Li-ion) cost legitimate EU manufacturers approx €180 million annually, with lithium-ion and vehicle batteries heavily affected.
Fake batteries can lack proper safety features and quality control. This increases the risk of:
- Overheating and fire hazards.
- Reduced performance and lifespan.
- Environmental damage due to improper materials.
- Legal liability and damage to brand reputation.
In high-demand sectors such as EV manufacturing, the presence of unauthorised or substandard batteries can compromise vehicle safety and compliance with international safety standards.
