BATTERIES repurposing , nor an accompanying framework for the latter , and there is little detail on specific provisions required for EV batteries .
EU proposals The EU Commission proposed a new regulation on batteries and waste batteries in December 2020 ( the Draft EU Regulation ) to replace the 2006 directive on which the UK ’ s Waste Batteries Regulations is based . This is part of the EU ’ s new Circular Economy Action Plan – which , for batteries is aiming at a safe , circular and sustainable value chain for all batteries . The Draft EU Regulation would apply to all “ economic operators ”, being manufacturers , producers , importers and distributors of all types of batteries that are placed within the EU market – whether industrial , automotive or portable , and independent of their origin .
The proposals in the Draft EU Regulation include a framework to help facilitate repurposing batteries so that they can have a second life – and to encourage a market in second-life batteries . We set out below the key proposals .
• Battery dataspace – To ensure transparency and clarity on battery conditions , data sharing is at the forefront of the Draft EU Regulation . A common electronic exchange system or “ battery dataspace ” would be established ( by January 1 2026 according to the Draft EU Regulation ) as a means of registering all batteries with a capacity above 2KwH on the EU market . The database would be available to the public and contain information on each battery model including its lifetime , charging capacity and any safety risks or hazardous substances .
• Battery passports – The database would be linked to an individual digital “ battery passport ” for each battery with a capacity above 2KwH , accessible by using a QR code printed on the battery itself . The operator who places the battery on the EU market is responsible for updating the battery passport . These mechanisms will help to trace batteries and their management throughout their lifecycle .
The battery passport should help second life battery purchasers , users and operators to make informed decisions and allows recyclers to better plan their operations and increase recycling efficiency , while making used batteries more marketable .
• End-of-life criteria – The Draft EU Regulation also proposes that second life batteries must fulfil specific end-of-life criteria , including passing a “ health check ” before being sent for repurposing . This approach , supported by extended producer responsibility requirements , aims to encourage the repurposing of batteries while ensuring that waste batteries are treated in line with EU waste legislation and provide consumer confidence in the second life battery market .
Obligations relating to second life batteries are also extended to those carrying out repurposing operations to ensure that the examination , performance testing , packing and shipment of batteries and their components are done with adequate quality control and safety instructions . A battery management system is proposed to be made available to battery owners , operators working on their behalf and operators carrying out repurposing or remanufacturing operations . This system would store the information required to determine the state of health of a battery ( and its residual value ).
• Battery contents – To address environmental concerns , the Draft EU Regulation requires that all batteries are to be produced using responsibly sourced materials and with restricted use of specified hazardous substances and minimum recycling content thresholds ( to apply from
© Andreysha | Dreamstime . com . Rows of industrial storage batteries . A room used for backup or uninterruptible power supply .
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