The European Union recently finalized a common charging port for various electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, headphones, and cameras. In addition to this, the EU has now revised its rules on batteries sold in the region, with a focus on making them replaceable. The updated legislation passed by the EU parliament requires that portable batteries in appliances be designed in a way that allows consumers to easily remove and replace them on their own. These regulations apply to all rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, tablets, and other devices sold within the EU.
With an overwhelming majority of 587 votes to nine, the EU Parliament recently approved the revision of regulations for batteries and waste batteries. The new rules encompass the design, production, and waste management of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU, with the aim of enhancing durability, sustainability, and performance. As per the new legislation, portable batteries must be designed in a user-friendly manner, allowing regular users to remove and replace them with ease. This includes batteries used in vehicles, smartphones, cameras, tablets, and industrial applications.
The updated guidelines also require batteries for electric vehicles, bicycles, and rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity above 2kWh to carry a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport.
Furthermore, the new regulations place requirements on recoverable materials used in new batteries in order to promote battery recycling. The collection targets for portable batteries are set at 45 percent by 2023, 63 percent by 2027, and 73 percent by 2030. For batteries used in “light means of transport” such as electric scooters, the targets are 51 percent by 2028 and 61 percent by 2031.
The EU has also established targets for the recovery of built-in materials. By 2027, the aim is to recover 50 percent of lithium, and by 2031, the target is 80 percent. For cobalt, copper, lead, and nickel, the EU aims to recover 90 percent by 2027 and 95 percent by 2031.
However, the requirement for user-replaceable portable batteries in devices poses a challenge for tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, as most of their products currently have non-removable batteries. This new regulation may compel smartphone brands to redesign their products.
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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.
