Yes, it is possible.
Since batteries are quite expensive either as a standalone item or component, there is always a temptation for some suppliers to switch them out for cheaper equivalents or even use cheaper fakes.
For obvious reasons, this is a compliance and safety issue, as a battery that is not as expected will similarly not adhere to the standards expected, certainly not in the same ways anyway.
What can be done to reduce the risks of this happening?
There are a number of actions to take if you feel you’re at risk of a supplier playing this kind of game:
- Check the battery specification sheet they provide against the results of testing the suspect batteries
- Contact the battery manufacturer (for example, this might be Panasonic or Samsung) and ask them to confirm if the battery codes and information provided are genuine
- Make sure that it’s clear in your quality plan what your expectations are for the battery, so there can be no ambiguity (this helps show a supplier’s wrongdoing if they have tried something unacceptable)
- Add to your manufacturing agreement that a specific battery must be used and that alternatives of any kind are not acceptable
Beyond testing the batteries you receive for quality, safety, and authenticity, having legal recourse to take action if a supplier doesn’t provide the promised batteries is a good incentive for them to abide by the agreement.
