Member States have agreed to new European rules batteries. In particular, several topics were discussed: life cycle, recycling, tracking, battery replacement, or even handling of relevant waste.

A new battery industry that needs to be regulated

Industry of electric cars has been around for several years. If 10 years ago the first models and production of battery-powered vehicles were rather anecdotal, now they are gaining significant momentum. This heavy industry also brings its share of new technologies, including mass use lithium batteriesa rare mineral.

If their life cycle was not until then not yet well designed, as with our other devices, like our smartphones, things will change. The European Parliament wants to create new regulation to oversee the entire life cycle of the batteries that are widely used for our electric vehicles.

Trialogue today in the European Parliament regarding the Regulation #Batteries 🇪🇺🔋

Broad debate and visible progress on the carbon footprint is an element #competitiveness necessary for our industrialists.

The task: to agree before the end of the year. pic.twitter.com/ukQRKPbSkL

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 11, 2022

The EU wants long-lasting batteries with a small size

With its new legislation, the European Union wants to reduce the carbon footprint of batteries and include recycled materials. For this purpose, a three-stage plan was published:

• From July 1, 2024 : I‘carbon footprint produced by batteries of electric vehicles during their entire life cycle will need to be declared;
• To from 2026 year : a marking system with performance categories to be introduced for electric vehicle batteries;
• From July 1, 2027 : lithium batteries in electric vehicles must not exceed maximum threshold in terms of carbon footprint. Batteries are considered too polluting will be prohibited for sale on the territory of the European Union;
• From 2031 year : electric vehicle batteries must be made from recycled materials up to 16% for cobalt, 6% for lithium and finally 6% for nickel.

Europe wants to be more competitive in the battery market

Currently, European manufacturers mainly import batteries for their electric vehicles.

Although they most often come from China, where there is an abundance of the raw material, lithium, European manufacturers want to be more competitive and develop batteries in Europe.

By 2030, the Old Continent has ambitious goals. Europe wants to account for almost a quarter of global battery production.