Towards cleaner batteries

The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement to review thoroughly the EU’s rules on batteries, smartphones, electric vehicles, and industrial applications. According to the agreement, a carbon footprint declaration and label will be mandatory for electric vehicles, light transport, and industrial rechargeable batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh (the equivalent of a small electric scooter battery). These batteries will also need to have a “digital battery passport” that includes information about the battery model, as well as specific information about the battery itself and how it is used.

The regulations will also incorporate new minimum thresholds for recycling. By the end of 2027, manufacturers must be able to recycle at least 90% of cobalt and nickel, and 50% for lithium. For lithium, this will then have to reach 80% in 2031. Ultimately, the reuse of recycled materials will also be imposed for the construction of new batteries. Minimum levels of cobalt (16%), lead (85%), lithium (6%), and nickel (6%) will then be set.