/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24747246/Apple_Right_to_repair_Hero.jpg "Understanding the EU’s Struggle for Removable Smartphone Batteries")
If you’ve been browsing the internet recently, you’ve likely come across headlines about the European Union’s decision to mandate easy-to-replace batteries in smartphones by 2027. The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of this agreement on June 14th. The EU’s move towards regulation requiring smartphones with replaceable batteries is beneficial for the environment and end users. However, there’s more to the story than just the 2027 deadline.
Cristina Ganapini, coordinator of Right to Repair Europe, explains that there is another legislation called the Ecodesign for Smartphones and Tablets that is also being processed by the EU. This legislation aims to make smartphone batteries more replaceable and is expected to come into effect in June or July 2025. Therefore, by the time 2027 arrives, some smartphone manufacturers may have already been selling devices with user-replaceable batteries for over a year in the EU.
The draft version of the ecodesign regulation states that batteries should be replaceable without tools or with basic tools provided with the product or spare part. Spare parts should also be available for up to seven years after a phone’s release, and the replacement process should be feasible for an average person. This legislation is currently being reviewed, and it is expected to become law in September this year, with the battery requirements taking effect a year and a half later.
Although there is an overlap between the two legislations, the battery regulation voted on by the European Parliament is still significant. It is more stringent than the ecodesign regulation because it does not offer a loophole for manufacturers to avoid making batteries easy to replace if they can make them long-lasting. The battery regulation requires devices to maintain at least 83% capacity after 500 cycles and 80% after 1000 cycles. Additionally, devices must be “dust tight and protected against immersion in water up to one meter depth for a minimum of 30 minutes.” The ecodesign rules often achieve these capabilities through the use of glue.
While some believe that longevity requirements should be paired with repairability requirements, the specified battery capacity requirements are ambitious and indicate a lifespan of at least five years. It remains uncertain how many manufacturers will meet these requirements for longevity. For instance, Apple notes on its support page that a “normal battery” retains up to 80% of its original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles. However, other manufacturers may already offer batteries that meet this long-lasting criteria.
It is worth noting that the battery regulation covers all products with portable batteries, extending beyond just phones and tablets, unlike the ecodesign regulation.
The definition of an easy-to-replace battery, according to the EU, revolves around the tools required for the replacement process. The regulation focuses on preventing end users from needing proprietary tools or complex procedures. It states that a portable battery should be considered removable when it can be replaced using commercially available tools and without proprietary tools, solvents, thermal energy, or specialised tools that are not provided free of charge.
However, iFixit raises concerns about the regulation’s lack of definition for “specialised tools.” They argue that users may have to purchase tools that are technically specialised but not officially defined as such in order to replace a battery. This could potentially lead to additional costs.
There is also the question of how user-replaceable batteries can coexist with waterproofing. The regulation contains an exemption for devices used in environments regularly exposed to water. Critics argue that offering both waterproofing and user-replaceable batteries would be challenging.
Despite these concerns, the new battery regulation has been lauded by right-to-repair advocates. Ganapini from Right to Repair Europe sees it as a significant win, and Fairphone’s legal counsel also expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
In conclusion, the EU’s decision to implement regulations requiring smartphones with easy-to-replace batteries is a step towards environmental sustainability and improved user experiences. However, the details and implications of the legislation still need to be examined and clarified.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
