The European Union (EU) recently passed a law mandating that all manufacturers, including smartphone makers, must incorporate “removable and replaceable” batteries in their devices by 2027.
The regulation, officially adopted by the Council of the EU, aims to ensure the safety, sustainability, and competitiveness of batteries throughout their entire life cycle, from production to reuse and recycling.
The law applies to all types of batteries, including portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, and batteries for light means of transport like e-bikes and e-scooters.
By regulating the battery industry, the EU intends to reduce environmental and social impacts, promote a circular economy, and establish targets for battery collection and recovery of materials.
Users will benefit from the ability to replace batteries in their appliances, including smartphones, while e-scooters and e-bikes will require professional replacement.
The impact of this regulation may extend beyond the EU, as similar measures have been adopted in other global markets influenced by EU standards.
