The European Union to Mandate User Replaceable Batteries for Phones and Handheld Consoles by 2027

The European Union has announced new regulations that will require all phones, handheld consoles, and similar devices to have user replaceable batteries by 2027. This move is part of a larger effort to improve sustainability and reduce electronic waste.

Extending the Lifespan of Gadgets

The EU argues that allowing users to easily replace faulty or degraded batteries themselves will extend the lifespan of electronic devices. Instead of purchasing new devices or paying for repairs, users can simply replace the battery, resulting in fewer devices being discarded.

Implications for Phone Manufacturers

The ruling specifies that batteries should be removable “with the use of commercially available tools and without requiring the use of specialized tools.” This may require phone manufacturers to rethink the design of their devices. For example, waterproof phones or devices in Samsung’s Flip series may need to be reevaluated to ensure compliance with the regulations without compromising their current designs.

While the regulations currently apply only to the European Union, phone manufacturers that conduct business in the UK, such as Google and Apple, may choose to implement these changes globally. This consideration stems from the potential cost of developing separate versions of devices to meet different regulations and the global push for sustainability.

Addressing Sustainability Concerns

The regulation also tackles sustainability concerns related to other battery-powered devices, including electric vehicles and industrial products. The rules establish guidelines for the components present in batteries, like lithium and cobalt, as well as targets for the recovery of lithium from waste batteries. This focus on battery sustainability reflects the EU’s commitment to decarbonization and zero-emission transportation.

“Batteries are key to the decarbonization process and the EU’s shift towards zero-emission modes of transport. At the same time, end-of-life batteries contain many valuable resources, and we must be able to reuse those critical raw materials instead of relying on third countries for supplies,” said Teresa Ribera, Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition.

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