New EU Rules for Batteries
- 21. December 2022
- Blog, Circular Solutions
Background
The EU Parliament and the European Council agreed on key points of the new EU Battery Regulation on 9.12.22. This legislative change aims to promote the circular economy and reduce environmental and social impacts throughout the battery life cycle. The Battery Regulation is intended to replace the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC.
Introduction of new battery types
The introduction of LMT (light means of transport) batteries for e‑scooters, e‑bikes, etc., and EV (electric vehicles) batteries for electric vehicles considers the increasing importance of electromobility. For end users, the return and disposal of those batteries, like all other battery types, are free of charge.
Requirements regarding design, production, and extended information obligations
A minimum recyclates ratio for new battery production was agreed on. Removing and replacing batteries from electrical appliances should be easy for end users in the future. Furthermore, they will also be able to access detailed information on specific battery characteristics using a label and QR codes. The “Digital Battery Passport” will be introduced for LMT, EV, and industrial batteries of at least 2kWh. The introduction of a due diligence policy will only be mandatory for large, but not SMEs.
Specifications for disposal and recycling
The collection rates will continue to be successively increased. For LMT batteries, a collection rate of initially 51% will apply, followed by 61% in 2031.
Provided Parliament and the Länder approve the proposed legislative amendments, the new EU regulation could come into force in the first half of 2023. Considering the transition periods, the Battery Regulation will apply immediately in all European Union member states.
We have summarized the main changes for you below.
Which batteries are covered by the directive?
- Portable batteries
- SLI batteries (supplying power for starting, lighting or ignition of vehicles)
- Industrial batteries
- NEW: LMT batteries (light means of transport) for e‑scooters, e‑bikes, etc.
- NEW: EV batteries (electric vehicles) for electric vehicles
What are the main changes?
| Area | What | Comment |
| Design obligations | Easy removal and replacement of batteries from electrical appliances | Starting point? 3½ years after the directive enters into force (approx. 2027). |
| Usage of recyclates | Cobalt 16% | Lead 85% | Lithium 6% Nickel 6% | - |
| Due diligence | Standards to avoid social and environmental risks: Procurement | processing | trade of raw and secondary materials. | Due Diligence Policy according to international standards. Does not apply to small and medium-sized enterprises. |
| Labelling | Labeling and QR code with information covering: Loading capacity | Shelf life | Chemical composition | Separate disposal | - |
| Information obligations | Information on the CO2 footprint from mining, production to recycling ___________________ Digital battery passport: Battery model | Specific information on the battery and its use | Starting point? Starting July 2024 ___________________ Applies to EV, LMT, and rechargeable industrial batteries of 2kWh and above. |
| Take-back | Free take-back of batteries, regardless of chemical composition, condition, brand, or origin. | - |
| Collection target | Portable batteries: 2023 45%* |2027 63% | 2030 73% LMT batteries: 2028 51% | 2031 61% * in Germany, the collection rate is already at 50% | - |
These information are provided by REBAT
REBAT offers take-back systems and individual take-back solutions for manufacturers and distributors of all battery types. In addition, REBAT operates Germany’s leading take-back system for portable batteries (according to § 7 BattG). Find more information here.
