Flex, the global electronics manufacturing services provider, does not rely on a single battery type across all products. The battery type and configuration are selected to meet each device's performance, safety, and regulatory requirements, with lithium-ion and lithium-polymer packs accounting for most consumer devices produced by the company.
Context: Flex as a contract electronics manufacturer
As a contract manufacturer, Flex designs, builds, and tests devices for a range of industries—from smartphones and wearables to medical devices and automotive components. Battery integration is a core safety and supply-chain consideration, with battery choices dictated by device class, geography, and client specifications.
Common battery chemistries in Flex-produced devices
In practice, the most common energy-storage technologies used in devices Flex manufactures are lithium-based chemistries. The following list highlights the typical options and how they are applied.
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries — including pouch and cylindrical formats; widely used in smartphones, tablets, wearables, and many consumer devices for high energy density and verified safety standards.
- Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery packs — offering flexible shapes and lighter weight, commonly used in premium smartphones, wearables, and compact devices where space constraints matter.
- Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries — less common in new consumer devices but still used in some legacy products, power tools, or specialty equipment where Li-ion is not required.
Battery technologies evolve with demand, but Li-ion and Li-Po remain dominant in most current Flex-manufactured devices due to energy density, safety testing, and supply-chain considerations. Suppliers source cells from multiple major manufacturers to meet performance and regulatory requirements.
Safety and regulatory compliance in Flex battery work
Any battery integration done by Flex adheres to strict safety and regulatory standards to ensure safe transport, operation, and end-of-life handling. The following frameworks commonly govern battery packs in consumer and industrial products:
- UN 38.3 transport testing for lithium batteries (safety during air, sea, and ground transport)
- IEC 62133 safety standard for rechargeable batteries used in portable devices
- UL 1642 or UL 2054 standards for battery safety and performance in the United States
- RoHS and REACH environmental regulations restricting hazardous substances
- Quality-management and manufacturing standards such as ISO 9001, and where applicable IATF 16949 for automotive components
These standards ensure that battery packs meet rigorous safety, performance, and environmental requirements across markets and product categories.
Summary
Flex uses a variety of battery chemistries depending on the product and client requirements, with lithium-ion and lithium-polymer packs being the most common in modern consumer devices. Battery choices are guided by safety standards, regulatory compliance, and supply-chain considerations, and Flex works with multiple major cell suppliers to meet device specifications.