The EU approved a law mandating businesses like Apple to release devices that exclusively use a USB-C connector, and the regulator has now imposed some additional regulations regarding battery replacement:
EU Has Specified Limitations on Chemical Composition of Integrated Batteries to Reduce Carbon Footprint
All battery types that are marketed in the EU must comply with the new EU legislation. This includes industrial batteries in addition to those used in electronic gadgets, automobiles, two-wheelers, and electric vehicles. The entire carbon footprint of the battery will need to be reported by EU battery makers starting in 2024. With this information, a carbon dioxide limit will be established for batteries that might be available as early as July 2027. They will have to employ a certain amount of recycled materials. For instance, 6% lithium, 6% nickel, 85% lead, and 16% cobalt. The agreed rules will cover the entire battery life cycle, from design to end-of-life and apply to all types of batteries sold in the EU: portable batteries, SLI batteries (supplying power for starting, lighting or ignition of vehicles), light means of transport (LMT) batteries (providing power for the traction to wheeled vehicles such as electric scooters and bikes), electric vehicle (EV) batteries and industrial batteries.” It’s noteworthy to note that Apple now costs $99 to replace the battery on any iPhone 14 model, up from $69 for the iPhone 13 in the United States. The new regulations from the EU might result in substantial cost reductions for consumers while also hurting these corporations’ ability to make money, which would not be ideal. We’ll keep you guys informed if there are changes since the new regulations are still awaiting final approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
