The main purpose of the developed rules is to facilitate the recycling of used batteries and to encourage the reuse of materials, especially from conflict zones and socially tense areas.

By making it easier to replace laptop batteries, the new rules aim to improve the collection and disposal of used batteries and ultimately enable greater recovery and reuse of valuable raw materials.

However, it is important to note that these battery replacement requirements will not apply to smartphones and tablets. Instead, legislators offer manufacturers a choice: They can either provide simple battery replacement or meet certain performance and durability criteria.

In other words, mobile device batteries may require more capacity and more charge cycles. Some exceptions can also be made for devices protected against moisture.

EU aims to increase number of batteries collected

In addition to provisions for replacing batteries, European parliamentarians have also set ambitious targets for the collection of used batteries. It is expected that 45% of the portable batteries produced as of the end of 2023 will be collected and this figure will increase to 63% in 2027 and to 73% in 2030.

Collection targets for batteries used in “light vehicles” such as scooters and bicycles are set at 51% by 2028 and 61% by 2030. It is worth noting that according to available sources, 47% of portable batteries and accumulators sold in Europe in 2019 were collected for recycling within the EU.

The regulations also contain requirements for a certain minimum amount of recycled material to be used in the manufacture of new batteries. However, this aspect of the regulation will not come into effect until eight years from now.

Why is this done?

As predicted, the provision is expected to help alleviate resource shortages if battery demand continues to increase 14-fold through 2030.

Other key elements of the new regulation include “mandatory declaration and labeling of batteries for traction batteries, light vehicles such as electric scooters and bicycles, and of the carbon footprint for rechargeable industrial batteries with a capacity of more than 2 kWh”.

The regulation also introduces the concept of “digital battery passport” for these products. Interested parties may refer to the updated Battery Guidelines for more detailed information.

The new rules for battery replacement in laptops, which the EU Council is expected to approve this summer, will bring significant changes to the European market. Encouraging battery recycling, material reuse and setting collection targets, these rules aim to reduce the environmental impact of battery waste and provide consumers with greater access to spare batteries.