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Question: I need to transport the batteries by air. Is it possible that I discharge the battery (LTO, LFP, etc) to zero volts, transport and recharge back after reaching the destination? This way the battery will have no energy stored and will not be dangerous. What do you think?

We are sorry to say that this is not a solution. See the reasons.

1. Full discharge is will destroy the battery. 

For all kinds of LFP/LFP/NCM chemistry, a full discharge of any type of lithium-based battery will cause a permanent damage to the cell structure and the cell will be damaged and will no longer be useable for any application. Once the battery is initiated in the factory, the open circuit voltage for the cell must always stay above the minimal value. If the voltage goes bellow the minimal value, e.g. because of forceful deep discharge, because of accident or mistake during the operation, the cell may become internally damaged and loses the manufacturer’s warranty.

See additional information:

• FAQ:  Battery deeply discharged – what to do?
• FAQ: “Sudden” battery discharge

2. Even the empty lithium battery is considered as dangerous cargo.  

The lithium battery is considered as Class 9 dangerous cargo for any kind of transportation. This is due to the chemical composition and applies even to “empty” batteries. This means discharging the battery “to zero” does not help to avoid the dangerous mode of the transport. Additionally, for the transportation of lithium batteries the IATA regulations require the cells to be charged to less than 30% of the nominal capacity. As a result, the cells are always transported with 30% or less capacity and they should be recharged quickly when reaching the destination.

3. Shipping lithium cells and batteries is no problem for GWL. 

Our team has been working with LFP/LTO batteries for 12 years. Together with our shipping agents, we can help you to reach any destination. Just contact us and we will be happy to give you our helping hand.