Removal and replacement of portable batteries and batteries used in light means of transport: which criteria are the most appropriate for policies?

Consumption of portable batteries (PBs) and batteries for light means of transport (LMT) has increased in recent years, driven by the rapid proliferation of electronic devices and vehicles such as e-bikes. Thus, increasing circularity of these batteries can benefit the sustainability of many value chains. With the intention of promoting their repair, reuse, repurposing and recycling, the European Commission adopted Regulation 2023/1542 (Batteries Regulation), which sets provisions on the removability and replaceability of PBs and LMT batteries and cells. As is the case with other product components, the ability to remove and replace batteries is influenced by a number of factors. After analysing the main barriers to portable and LMT battery removability and replaceability in the European Union, the parameters that influence disassemblability and reassemblability are identified, from a review of literature, standards and legislation, and the most appropriate ones for regulatory purposes are selected. After consulting stakeholders and taking into account synergies and trade-offs among the parameters, 15 parameters are selected and grouped under 6 aspects, namely the use of tools for disassembly and reassembly, the joining techniques and fasteners used in the product, the information provided with the product, the availability of spare parts at a reasonable price, the ‘disassembly depth’ and the restriction of software impeding replacement. The parameters selected are either design-related or service-related, as the transition to a circular economy involves more than design modification. The findings of this study can support product policy decisions and provide future guidance to policy-makers, by promoting ecodesign of products.

MAGRINI Chiara;  SPILIOTOPOULOS Christoforos; 

2026-03-27

SPRINGER NATURE

JRC139926

2730-5988 (online),   

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43615-026-00779-5,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139926,   

10.1007/s43615-026-00779-5 (online),