The Evolution of European Battery Regulations: A Strengthened Framework for All Industries

In August 2023, the European Union adopted ambitious new regulations on batteries, marking a decisive step in its ecological transition and industrial sovereignty strategy. This text does not only concern the automotive sector: it applies to all industries using batteries, including electronics, energy, and industrial equipment.

Regulations Rolled Out in Phases Until 2027

The European Commission has planned a gradual implementation of these regulations, spread over several years, to allow economic players to adapt. By 2027, the various obligations will come into force in phases, covering the design, production, use, and end-of-life of batteries.  

The battery passport will mark the culmination of this approach via a QR code, enabling information to be provided at various levels to consumers, those with a legitimate interest, and authorities regarding the manufacturer, composition, recycled content, carbon footprint, performance class, performance, health status, repairability, reuse, and other factors.

A full lifecycle approach

One of the major new features is the consideration of the battery's complete lifecycle: from raw material extraction to recycling. The objective is to ensure more sustainable, transparent, and circular management of batteries, limiting their environmental and health impacts.

Reduction of harmful substances and reliance on imports

The regulation continues the commitments of Directive 2007/66/EC regarding the presence of hazardous substances, such as mercury and cadmium, in order to reduce the impact on the environment. It also requires a gradual reduction in the use of non-European critical raw materials, thereby strengthening the Union's strategic autonomy through the use of recycled content and making producers responsible for the recycling process.

A Reduction in Carbon Footprint

Manufacturers will now have to measure and report the carbon footprint of their batteries, with increasingly stringent requirements in terms of durability and energy efficiency. This measure is part of the EU's path towards climate neutrality by 2050.

A Dual Objective: Climate and Sovereignty

Through this regulation, Europe is pursuing a dual objective: drastically reducing the sector's carbon footprint while consolidating its industrial and technological sovereignty. The strategy aims to limit dependence on non-European imports, particularly for strategic raw materials.

Support for Industry Stakeholders

To help companies, particularly in the automotive sector, understand and implement this new regulatory framework, UTAC offers specific support. These programs enable the stakeholders concerned to effectively prepare for future obligations and to integrate these requirements into their industrial strategies today.