Building on the success of the common charging port initiative, the European Union parliament has passed a new law that focuses on making batteries replaceable, offering consumers greater convenience and reducing electronic waste.
The legislation covers all rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices sold within the EU.
Last week, the EU Parliament overwhelmingly approved the revision of regulations for batteries and waste batteries, with an impressive majority of 587 votes to nine.
The new rules encompass the design, production, and waste management of rechargeable batteries, aiming to enhance their durability, sustainability, and overall performance.
Crucially, the legislation stipulates that portable batteries must be designed in a manner that allows regular users to easily remove and replace them.
This requirement extends to batteries used in vehicles, smartphones, cameras, tablets, and industrial applications.
In line with the updated guidelines, batteries used in electric vehicles, bicycles, and high-capacity industrial rechargeable batteries (above 2kWh) must include a mandatory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport.
These measures aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of batteries and promote more informed consumer choices.
Promoting battery recycling is another crucial aspect of the new regulations.
The EU has implemented requirements for recoverable materials used in new batteries, incentivizing the use of sustainable resources.
The target for the collection of portable batteries has been set at 45 percent by 2023, 63 percent by 2027, and an ambitious 73 percent by 2030.
For batteries from “light means of transport,” such as electric scooters, the targets are 51 percent by 2028 and 61 percent by 2031.
Furthermore, the EU has established specific recovery targets for the extraction of built-in materials. By 2027, the goal is to recover 50 percent of lithium, a crucial component in many batteries, and to increase it to 80 percent by 2031.
The EU has also set recovery targets of 90 percent for cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel by 2027, with a further increase to 95 percent by 2031.
These targets reflect the EU’s determination to minimize resource waste and maximize the circular economy’s benefits.
With these comprehensive revisions to battery regulations, the EU reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer satisfaction.
By promoting durability, ease of use, and enhanced recycling practices, the EU aims to drive positive change in the industry and set a global standard for environmentally friendly battery solutions.