WE DELIVER ENERGY SYSTEMS

Our solutions are designed to make energy supply and energy management more efficient, secure, and effective – even under challenging conditions. Thus, we support the management of current threat situations and create real value both in active field operations and at the interface with civilian deployments, such as protecting critical infrastructure and in crisis response.

BATTERY TROLLEY SYSTEMS

EcoVolta – 2.3KW
POWERBANK
Universal, compact portable 230V solution for silent, emission-free energy on the go.

EcoVolta – 8.9KW
POWER TROLLEY
Mobile 400 Volt solution for professional applications with high power requirements.

EcoVolta – 15.0KW
POWERSTATION
Scalable professional power supply for high inrush currents and long runtimes or multiple devices.

EcoVolta – 15.0KW
EVOTRACTION
Powerful battery blocks or traction batteries for electric vehicles and machinery

BATTERY CASE SYSTEMS

FlexiBatt – 2.5KW
BATTERY-BLOCK
With 2.5 kWh and a lightweight, compact design, FlexiBatt provides energy for extended field operations.

FlexiBatt – 2.5KW
BATTERY CASE
A modular 48V and 2.5 kWh ruggedized battery system for professional, off-grid use independent of the power grid.

FlexiBatt – 50KW
BATTERY SYSTEM
A UPS and energy storage system with high capacity. The system combines 5 kWh modules. Scalable up to 50 kWh.

GENERATORS - FUEL CELL SYSTEMS

PowerUP
GENERATORS
Mobile hydrogen fuel cell generators for quiet, emission-free power in flexible applications.

PowerUP
POWER SUPPLIES
Integrable fuel cell power supplies for compact, modular hydrogen-based energy systems.

PowerUP
ELECTROLYZER
Decentralized hydrogen production for resilient, independent energy supply on site.

PowerUP
USV SYSTEME
Hydrogen-based UPS power systems for reliable backup power in critical applications.

PowerUP
CONTAINER SYSTEME
Containerized hydrogen power systems, solutions for scalable, resilient energy supply on site.

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YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

OUR BUSINESS AREAS

Vogt-CTE
Rescue
Business field for products related to rescue and operations

Vogt-CTE
Defense
Business field for products related to defense and security markets

Vogt-CTE
Energy
Business sector for products related to mobile energy supply markets

Vogt-CTE Fire Retardants
Business field for products related to fire protection and firefighting

LANGUAGE SETTINGS

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY TRANSPORT IN EUROPE | ADR, IATA & IMDG

Lithium-ion batteries are generally classified as hazardous materials during transport. This is due to their risk of fire and short circuits: Damage, overheating, or internal faults can lead to intense heat generation and, in the worst case, thermal runaway. The applicable regulations depend primarily on the following:

the type of battery being transported,
its energy content,
whether it is transported individually or as part of a device,
whether it is intact, damaged, or waste,
and whether transport is by road, air, or sea.

For road transport in Europe, the ADR is the primary regulation. For air transport, the ICAO Technical Instructions apply, and in practice, the IATA regulations based on them are frequently followed. For maritime transport, the IMDG Code applies. Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory under the IMDG Code since January 1, 2026.

CLASSIFY THE BATTERY CORRECTLY FIRST

For standard lithium-ion batteries, the following UN numbers are particularly relevant:

UN 3480: Lithium-ion batteries transported on their own.
UN 3481: Lithium-ion batteries installed in devices or packed together with the intended equipment.

Before transport, it must also be determined whether the battery is:

intact,
used but safe,
damaged or defective,
or intended for disposal or recycling.

This distinction is important because stricter regulations may apply to damaged or defective batteries.

UN 38.3 – Lithium-ion cells and batteries must, as a general rule, conform to a type that has passed the tests specified in UN 38.3 for regular transport. These tests include, among other things, performance under temperature changes, vibrations, shocks, short circuits, and other stresses. A UN 38.3 test summary must be available for the relevant battery types.

ROAD TRANSPORT BY TRUCK OR DELIVERY VAN

Road transport is generally more flexible for battery systems than air transport. Nevertheless, ADR requirements must be followed. The following are particularly important:

correct classification,
appropriate packaging,
protection against short circuits,
protection against unintended activation,
mechanical securing,
correct labeling and documentation,
and adequate load securing.

Large battery systems, in particular, must be secured in such a way that they do not shift or tip over during braking maneuvers or in the event of an accident. Exposed contacts and high-voltage connections must be protected against short circuits.

Small Batteries
For lithium-ion cells up to 20 Wh and batteries up to 100 Wh, the ADR provides for exemptions under certain conditions. However, this does not mean that such batteries are generally not classified as dangerous goods. Even in these cases, certain requirements regarding testing, packaging, and short-circuit protection must be met.

Larger Shipments
Depending on the quantity and mode of transport, the following may also be required:

ADR transport documents,
hazard labels and markings,
appropriate vehicle equipment,
trained drivers,
written instructions,
dangerous goods training for personnel.

Whether an exemption or simplification can be applied must be assessed on a case-by-case basis for each specific shipment.

DAMAGED AND DEFECTIVE BATTERIES

Damaged batteries must be assessed with particular care. Warning signs include, for example:

swollen casing,
severe deformation,
traces of fire or melting,
leaking electrolyte,
unusual heating,
damaged terminals,
clear BMS error messages,
severe mechanical impact.

Special provisions under the ADR apply to damaged or defective lithium batteries. Depending on the hazard, special packaging and additional labeling may be required. A severely damaged battery should therefore never simply be placed on a standard pallet and shipped as if it were intact. Even batteries intended for disposal or recycling are still classified as hazardous materials. Special ADR regulations apply to them.

AIR TRANSPORT

The requirements for air transport are particularly strict. Lithium-ion batteries transported alone under UN 3480 may not be carried as cargo on passenger aircraft. Where transport is permitted, they must be carried as cargo on suitable cargo aircraft. For UN 3480, a maximum state of charge of 30% generally applies to air transport.

As of January 1, 2026, the 30% limit generally applies to lithium-ion batteries packed with equipment in accordance with PI 966 as well. Regulatory approvals are required for certain cases exceeding this limit. For batteries that are already installed in a device, a state of charge of no more than 30% is expressly recommended, but is not generally required.

Damaged Batteries on Airplanes
Lithium-ion batteries that are damaged or have safety-related defects—and which could therefore cause dangerous heat generation, fire, or short circuits—are prohibited from regular air transport. Therefore, air transport is often not a suitable option for damaged batteries. In addition, airlines may impose their own stricter requirements.

Batteries on Passenger Airplanes
Separate baggage rules apply to private individuals. Typically, the following applies:

up to 100 Wh: generally transportable within the permitted limits,
over 100 to 160 Wh: airline approval required;
over 160 Wh: generally not permitted as regular passenger baggage.

Spare batteries and power banks must always be carried in carry-on luggage. The contacts must be protected against short circuits. Damaged or swollen batteries should not be carried.

MARITIME TRANSPORT

The IMDG Code applies to maritime transport. Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory since January 1, 2026. The rules apply to ships transporting packaged dangerous goods. Lithium-ion batteries must be correctly:

classified,
packaged,
labeled,
documented,
loaded, and
secured

For large battery systems, mechanical securing is particularly important. The system must not come loose or shift within the container, even when the ship is in motion. In addition, moisture, corrosion, temperature, and protection of the electrical connections should be taken into account. For damaged or unusually large battery systems, acceptance must be clarified in advance with the shipping company and a dangerous goods specialist.

FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE ORGANIZATIONS

Fire departments and other emergency response organizations may, under certain conditions, benefit from special dangerous goods regulations during actual emergency operations. However, this does not constitute a general exception for all transports.

One distinction is important: After an accident, a fire department transports a damaged battery system to a safe location for immediate hazard mitigation.

This can be treated differently as an emergency transport. In contrast, a fire department transports new batteries from a warehouse to multiple locations. This constitutes standard logistics and must be planned in accordance with applicable dangerous goods regulations. In the case of damaged battery systems, particular attention should be paid to the following:

Temperature changes,
smoke or gas emissions,
visible damage,
electrolyte leakage,
electrical hazards,
reignition.

The condition should be documented and clearly communicated to the recipient or the subsequent carrier.

THE ARMY AND MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS

Military transports may be subject to specific national and international rules. EU Directive 2008/68/EC excludes certain transports by vehicle, railcar, or ship from its scope of application if they belong to or are under the responsibility of the armed forces. However, this does not mean that military batteries may be transported without safety regulations.

Relevant regulations may include, among others:

national military dangerous goods regulations,
internal regulations of the armed forces,
regulations of transit countries,
port and airport rules,
and requirements of civilian transport companies.

It is therefore particularly important to distinguish between military self-transport and transport by a civilian freight forwarder, an airline, or a shipping company.

PRIVATE & INDUSTRY

Companies should clearly define the following for every battery shipment:

What is being transported?
What is the applicable UN number?
Is the battery intact?
What mode of transport is being used?
What packaging is required?
What documents are needed?
Who is responsible for handling dangerous goods?

Employees who pack, ship, or load dangerous goods must be trained or instructed in accordance with their duties. For regular shipments of dangerous goods, it must also be determined whether a dangerous goods safety advisor is required.

Private individuals should also avoid transporting large batteries loosely in their cars. A battery should:

be secured against slipping,
be protected against short circuits,
not be susceptible to damage from other objects,
be protected from extreme heat,
show no visible damage.

In the case of large home storage systems, vehicle batteries, or transport quantities that appear commercial in nature, one should not automatically assume that the exemption for private individuals applies.

CHECKLIST BEFORE EACH TRANSPORT

Battery

☐ Battery type and manufacturer known

☐ Energy content in Wh or kWh known

☐ UN number determined

☐ UN 38.3 certification available

☐ Battery inspected externally

☐ No swelling or deformation

☐ No unusual heating

☐ No signs of fire or leaking electrolyte

☐ Terminals protected against short circuits

Road

☐ ADR requirements checked

☐ Suitable packaging available

☐ Battery mechanically secured

☐ Labeling correct

☐ Transport documents checked

☐ Exemptions or quantity limits correctly assessed

☐ Special provisions checked for damaged batteries

Airplane

☐ UN 3480 or UN 3481 correctly assigned

☐ Current IATA/ICAO regulations checked

☐ State of charge (SoC) checked

☐ For UN 3480, maximum 30% SoC

☐ For PI 966, current 30% rule taken into account

☐ Airline accepts the shipment

☐ Damaged battery ruled out

Ship

☐ Current IMDG Code taken into account

☐ Shipping line accepts the shipment

☐ Packaging and labeling correct

☐ Dangerous goods documentation available

☐ Battery and transport crate securely fastened

☐ Protection against moisture and short circuits in place

Fire Department and Emergency Response Organizations

☐ Clarified whether emergency transport or standard logistics will be used

☐ Battery condition assessed

☐ Temperature and fire risk taken into account

☐ Appropriate transport destination determined

☐ Recipient informed of condition

Military

☐ Clarified whether military or civilian transport will be used

☐ National military regulations reviewed

☐ Transit countries taken into account

☐ Civilian carrier requirements reviewed

☐ Responsible specialist designated

Conclusion: When transporting lithium-ion batteries, three questions are crucial:

What is it? What condition is it in? How will it be transported?

An intact and tested battery can be transported via regular channels with the proper packaging and documentation. For damaged or safety-critical batteries, the requirements change significantly.

Air transport is particularly strict. UN-3480 batteries may not be transported as cargo on passenger aircraft and must generally be charged to no more than 30% of their capacity.

For road transport, the ADR offers more options but also requires correct classification, packaging, and securing. For maritime transport, the IMDG Code with Amendment 42-24 has been mandatory since January 1, 2026.

For large battery systems, damaged batteries, or international shipments, the specific shipment should be reviewed in advance by a qualified dangerous goods specialist. This is particularly important because national regulations and the rules of individual freight forwarders, airlines, and shipping lines may also apply.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website regarding the transport of lithium-ion batteries is intended for general informational and guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, dangerous goods consultancy, or binding transport instructions.

Dangerous goods regulations may change and can vary depending on the country, mode of transport, battery type, energy capacity, battery condition, packaging, and purpose of transport. Additional national requirements and specific rules imposed by freight forwarders, airlines, shipping companies, authorities, or military organisations may also apply.

Before carrying out any transport, the current applicable regulations and the requirements of the relevant transport provider must therefore be verified. For large, damaged, defective, or safety-critical battery systems, a qualified dangerous goods specialist or the competent authority should be consulted.

No guarantee is given regarding the completeness, accuracy, or continued validity of the information provided, nor its suitability for any specific case. Responsibility for the correct classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, and execution of a transport remains with the parties responsible for the shipment.

WE DELIVER INNOVATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
At Vogt-CTE, we provide our European trading partners access to unique innovations in the field of energy systems. Our solutions make energy supply and energy management easier, faster, safer, and more energy-efficient – all while consuming fewer resources. The products we represent are highly specialized, field-tested, and create real value: they strengthen resilient, decentralized structures and ensure operation even under demanding conditions. We do not just bring products to market; we deliver progress. Together with our partners, we ensure that these innovations reach where they are needed most: at operators of critical infrastructure, response organizations, and field users.