From 18 February 2027, the EU Battery Regulation will require producers to design numerous electrical devices containing batteries in such a way that the batteries can be replaced by the end user themselves.
This applies, among other products, to headphones, e-readers, portable gaming consoles, and laptops. The goal is to extend device lifespans, reduce electronic waste, and make repairs easier. The regulation requires that batteries must be easy to remove and replace throughout a product’s entire lifespan. Rechargeable batteries are considered easily replaceable if they can be removed using standard tools, without the need for special tools, heat, or solvents. For producers, this means moving away from many existing designs that use permanently installed batteries. Since global production lines are often standardised, these changes are likely to have an impact far beyond the European market.
Replaceable batteries become standard: console producers lead the way
A well-known console producer demonstrates just how seriously the requirements must be taken. The company has already confirmed that it will adapt its products to comply with EU Regulation 2023/1542. Special EU-compliant versions are set to be released for its well-known console, whose battery has so far been difficult to replace. This highlights how even large electronics conglomerates are adapting their hardware to meet the new requirements. However, implementation presents challenges for producers. While replaceable batteries are relatively easy to incorporate into laptops, in-ear headphones face significant physical constraints in particular. The required miniaturisation of drivers, antennas, processors, microphones, and batteries makes simple battery replacement much more difficult. As a result, these devices may become larger in the future or more expensive to produce. Wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, on the other hand, are expected to remain exempt from the replacement requirement.
Legal questions also remain unresolved. Although repairs must be possible using readily available tools, the definition still leaves producers some flexibility in choosing specific screw types. It also remains unclear what constitutes a “reasonable price” for spare parts. Without affordable replacement batteries, repairs may remain unattractive to consumers despite the new regulations. Smartphones and tablets occupy a special position. Separate ecodesign rules apply to them, allowing exceptions to the replaceable battery requirement if devices are designed to be particularly robust and have long-lasting batteries. Consumer advocates have criticised this provision, arguing that durability and water resistance are not incompatible with replaceable batteries. As a result, ironically, smartphones, for which many users would actually prefer easily replaceable batteries, could remain largely unaffected by the new regulations.
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