After USB-C, EU all set to mandate user replaceable batteries in gadgets, EVs
The EU is considering a move to mandate user-replaceable batteries in wearable gadgets and EVs.
USB-C was recently mandated in the EU for smartphone manufacturers, affecting Apple’s future plans in the region for its iPhones. However, the EU does not stop here. Based on a new report, it now appears that the EU plans to mandate user-replaceable batteries on smartphones, gadgets, battery packs for plug-in vehicles, EVs and even industrial batteries. The talks are still ongoing and if it comes up, manufacturers will have a period of three years to comply.
The agreement is currently provisional and will cover batteries of all types of battery sizes. It will cover batteries such as portable batteries, “starting, lighting and ignition batteries for vehicles (SLI batteries), LMT batteries, EV batteries and even industrial batteries. If the legislation is passed, all manufacturers of products that use these types of batteries will have 3.5 years to redesign their products to accommodate user-replaceable batteries.
EU is now set to mandate removable batteries
User-replaceable batteries used to be a common feature on smartphones of yesteryear before manufacturers started following Apple and going for unibody designs. In fact, Samsung flagships from a few years ago had removable batteries, and this was a common thing for affordable budget smartphones.
However, unlike the USB-C regulation, this legislation may face a lot of opposition from many manufacturers. With the USB-C regulation, it was only Apple that had to face resistance as most Android manufacturers had already moved to USB-C ports on their products. With user-replaceable batteries, almost all manufacturers will have to redesign their products to accommodate removable batteries.
In an era where companies like to flaunt sleek and stylish smartphones, the user-replaceable battery designs could make an impact on that front. It can also affect build quality and reduce the case for water-resistant designs. The same can be true for EVs and other vehicle-related battery products.
Moreover, the law could also pose a big problem for manufacturers of foldable devices. Foldable smartphones and laptops are complex to design and build, with the batteries held together by ribbons and cables. A user replaceable battery can see these products gain weight, which is the opposite direction for this class of products.
