EU battery regulation is progressing – what’s currently relevant?

The implementing and delegated acts of the Battery Regulation further define requirements related to battery sustainability, the battery passport, due diligence obligations, and the performance of electric vehicle batteries. They play a crucial role in the practical implementation of the regulation and in the operations of producer responsibility organizations and obligated companies.

Recser Oy and Akkukierrätys Pb Oy are actively monitoring the progress of battery regulation and influencing its development together with their partners. This article provides an overview of upcoming draft legislation.

Regulation on access rights to certain parts of the battery passport

From February 2027 onwards, large batteries will have a digital battery passport accessible via a QR code. The passport will include information on performance and sustainability for citizens, compliance information for authorities, as well as details on battery repair, remanufacturing, repurposing and recycling.

The latter information should only be accessible to companies and individuals with a legitimate interest. This regulation defines who has access to such information.

Explore the regulation: Batteries – access rights to certain parts of the battery passport

Two regulations specify the due diligence system

Under the Battery Regulation, companies must apply due diligence to mitigate social and environmental risks associated with four key minerals contained in batteries placed on the EU market (cobalt, natural graphite, lithium, and nickel).

Recognised due diligence systems are required for this purpose. The requirements for these systems are further clarified in two regulations.

The first regulation sets out the information that must be included in applications submitted to the Commission for the recognition of due diligence systems for batteries.

Explore the regulation: Sustainable batteries: recognition of due diligence systems for batteries (information requirements)

The second regulation establishes the criteria and methodology the Commission will use to assess and recognise due diligence systems for batteries.

Explore the regulation: Sustainable batteries: assessment/recognition of due diligence systems for batteries (criteria and methodology)

Initiative on type-approval of batteries for passenger cars and vans

This initiative defines methods, tests, and administrative requirements related to the type approval of passenger cars and vans, particularly concerning:

• battery durability
• electric vehicle range in low temperatures
• electric vehicle system power
• extended in-vehicle fuel consumption monitoring

The initiative is essential for the effective implementation of Euro 7 emission standards and facilitates type approval ahead of their application date.

Explore the initiative: On-board battery durability (passenger cars and vans) – tests, methods and administrative requirements for type approval

Regulation on demonstrating battery durability and in-use compliance

This initiative sets out specific methods, requirements, tests and administrative provisions for in-use compliance and market surveillance for passenger cars and vans, particularly concerning:

• battery durability
• electric vehicle range in low temperatures
• electric vehicle system power
• extended in-vehicle fuel consumption monitoring

The initiative is essential for the effective implementation of Euro 7 emission standards and supports type approval in accordance with these standards.

Explore the initiative: Battery durability (vehicles of categories M1 and N1) – tests, methods and administrative requirements for in-use compliance and market surveillance

Follow regulatory developments via the Commission portal

All published battery-related initiatives can be accessed on the Commission’s website. Through the site, you can also log in to the Have Your Say portal, which is the European Commission’s official consultation platform. It allows citizens, businesses, organisations, authorities and other stakeholders to contribute to EU policy-making.

Via the portal, you can:

• review impact assessments and background materials
• provide feedback on draft legislation (regulations, directives, implementing acts)
• comment on policy initiatives before drafting begins
• participate in public consultations
• follow upcoming EU regulation