The European Union is forging ahead with plans to enforce removable batteries. This is in terms of its broad policy that users should be able to remove, and replace batteries themselves from their devices.
This issue originated in the context of some smartphones that become redundant, after their batteries reached their ends-of-life. However, as think-tank Hong Kong Trade Development Council points out, this may not always be practical.
The Overall Goal of the European Union Policy
The over-arching goal is that all portable batteries in user-driven products must be removable, and replaceable by end users throughout the product’s lifetime.
This policy aims to reduce premature product obsolescence, and simplify waste battery collection and recycling. This is encouraging suppliers to think ahead, especially in cases where batteries are permanently fixed in devices.
But How Feasible Is This Goal, Really?
The think-tank queries the practicality of allowing users to remove batteries in their devices in all instances. This is because there may be cases best left in the hands of independent professionals.
This fresh thinking raises the interesting possibility of conflict arising between the Union’s two goals of product design safety, and sustainability. This queries whether the goal of universally user-removable batteries is, in fact, feasible.
Removable Batteries May Not Always Be Practical
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council has identified several instances where removable batteries may not be practical, because of their design. These exceptions include smartwatches, fitness trackers, and electronics integrated into clothing.
In some cases, miniaturization has tightly integrated batteries into compact sealed enclosures. This makes it difficult to avoid battery damage, and ensure that water resistance remains effective.
Toys are another exception, especially because of the need to keep batteries away from children. But perhaps the clincher is medical and health-related devices which users could inadvertently damage.
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