With 587 votes in favor, 9 against and 20 abstentions, the European Parliament approved the agreement reached with the European Council in December 2022 to revise EU rules. on batteries and on the waste received from the latter. With this new legislation, the EU aims to make batteries (not just for electric vehicles) greener, more versatile and safer. In fact, through the new legislation, the EU seeks to “cover up” entire battery life cycle through a series of much more stringent requirements.
The new legislative text, according to the European Union, takes into account technological developments and future challenges in the sector. What are the main measures contained in the new legislation? First comescarbon footprint requirement for batteries in electric vehicles and light vehicles, as well as for industrial batteries with a capacity of more than 2 kWh.
Also expected digital passport for passenger car batteries, industrial batteries with a capacity of more than 2 kWh and batteries for electric vehicles. The new legislation also includes the development of appliance batteries that allow consumers to easily remove and replace them. In addition to all this, there are specific targets for waste collection and recycling of critical items.
- Waste Collection Purposes: for portable batteries – 45% by 2023, 63% by 2027 and 73% by 2030; for LMT batteries – 51% by 2028 and 61% by 2031;
- Minimum levels of materials recovered from battery waste: lithium – 50% by 2027 and 80% by 2031; cobalt, copper, lead and nickel – 90% by 2027 and 95% by 2031;
- Minimum levels of recycled content from industrial and consumer waste to be used in new batteries. – eight years after the entry into force of the regulation: 16% for cobalt, 85% for lead, 6% for lithium and 6% for nickel; 13 years later: 26% cobalt, 85% lead, 12% lithium and 15% nickel.
Following a vote in the European Parliament, the European Council will have to formally approve the text before it is published in the Official Journal of the EU and enters into force.
Source: HD Motori
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.