The European Union has approved a directive on replaceable batteries in electronic devices
From 2027, every manufacturer will have to allow end-user battery replacement
This applies to mobile phones, tablets, computers, but also electric cars
The key bodies of the European Union (EU) have approved directive, according to which all electronic devices with a rechargeable battery must allow end customers to do so-called home battery replacement. It will concern a huge number of devices of all kinds, of course mainly mobile phones.
The EU will bring a revolution in batteries
On Monday, July 10, the European Council and the Parliament approved a package of regulations to contribute to decarbonization and the establishment of an emission-free European area. The package of regulations also includes an amendment that imposes an obligation on manufacturers to enable consumers to replace the battery in a mobile device by themselves. In practice, this means the return of removable batteries, as we know them from old push-button mobile phones.
The regulation will come into effect from 2027, so until then manufacturers have time to prepare their products for this fact. It should particularly concern consumer electronics: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, but also industrial batteries, starter batteries, lead batteries and, of course, batteries in electric cars and other non-fossil powered vehicles. In addition, each battery should contain a QR code with some kind of record document on the composition and proportion of recycled materials.
Don’t overlook
USB-C in iPhones mandatory by Christmas 2024, the European Union ordered Apple
According to the responsible EU authorities, the aim of the new regulation is to reduce environmental and social impacts throughout the battery life cycle. The ambition of the European Union is to increase the possibility of recycling existing accumulators and limit the production of new ones, for which valuable materials must be taken from third world countries.
What about the manufacturers?
It is clear that this draconian regulation will significantly affect the shape of the consumer “rechargeable” electronics market. The vast majority of today’s smartphones and laptops are manufactured as a monolith from one material. A normal user has no access to the components inside the body of his device. Battery replacement is performed by authorized service centers who may charge a service fee for this operation.
If the big manufacturers of mobile phones and other affected devices want to continue to offer their products on the markets within the European Union, they will have to comply with this directive willy-nilly. We asked for an official statement from the three largest manufacturers on the Czech market – Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi – but so far no response.
Author of the article
Jakub Fischer
Journalist, fan of modern technology, summer months and Asian food. I like Lynch movies, Pollock paintings, french house and Arsenal football club. In my spare time, I play PlayStation and go jogging.
2023-07-13 20:15:00
#return #replaceable #batteries #approved #regulation #Apple #Samsung
