Live data from Hacker News

Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

ecopv-eu.com

21–30 of 560 posts

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#21

The link is not working for me, but I hope they have defined what "removable" means (removable without special tools) If not, a lot of companies are going to argue that they already make removable batteries

> If a special tool is required for replacement, the manufacturer must provide it free of charge.

IIRC, screwdrivers and prying tools are not considered special. Removal cannot require solvents or heat, but I believe those pull tab glue pads are allowed.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#22
post #7

There's an exception for batteries that "retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles." Coincidentally, iPhones and probably other flagships already qualify for this exception.

Apple doesn't comply with regulations that weren't their idea with sincerity.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#23
The introduction of glue into the assembly of consumer electronics is a crime against humanity and the Earth. If Timex could make iron-man watches 100-meter waterproof with Phillips-head jeweler's screws back in the '80s, there's no good reason smartphones and laptops can't. And there's a whole host of bad reasons to eschew screws.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#24
As others have mentioned this is for phones with batteries that can’t survive a reasonable number of cycles.

That’s a reasonable exemption, in my opinion. I don’t want to pay the extra penalties of reduced structural rigidity and water tightness for a battery that I don’t need to replace for 3-4 years anyway.

I do wish one manufacturer would make a flagship phone with replaceable battery so all of the uncompromising replaceable battery fans could have a phone that fits their niche demands rather than trying to force everyone else to pay the extra costs (price, size, water intrusion, structural rigidity) that would come with laws forcing all phones to have removable batteries.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#25
post #7

There's an exception for batteries that "retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles." Coincidentally, iPhones and probably other flagships already qualify for this exception.

i’m ok with this and an $80 battery replacement in exchange for better waterproofing

Timex has been making iron-man watches held together with Philips-head screws that can withstand 100 meters of water pressure since the mid-1980s. Waterproofing is no excuse for this nonsense.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#27
post #8

Rule does not apply to gadgets that already retain 80% charge capacity at 1k charge cycles. What is the share of the smartphone market that this applies to?

My iphone 15 pro max. manufactured in Aug 2023. 536 cycles. is at 84%. I doubt it will make it to 1k at above 80%.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#28
post #7

There's an exception for batteries that "retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles." Coincidentally, iPhones and probably other flagships already qualify for this exception.

i’m ok with this and an $80 battery replacement in exchange for better waterproofing

My low-cost plastic Casio watch based on a very old design is waterproof and battery can be swapped out by undoing 4 philips screws, no glue. Its buttons can also be operated under water while staying waterproof.

What is this whicraft?

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#29
post #14
post #7

There's an exception for batteries that "retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles." Coincidentally, iPhones and probably other flagships already qualify for this exception.

That had me thinking as well. What if the manufacturer says that to get to that number you are only allowed to charge it to 80% ever? My iPhone pro battery is at 92% at 417 cycles over 20 months.

Do what EVs do: make 100% on the display not 100.0% electro-chemically and 0% not be 0.0% chemically.

This is a serious suggestion, as I think it’s actually net beneficial for the consumer.

Re: Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

#30
post #17
post #8

Rule does not apply to gadgets that already retain 80% charge capacity at 1k charge cycles. What is the share of the smartphone market that this applies to?

0%. Wait, that’s not true: In true regulatory capture fashion, I’ll bet the exemption requires some sort of testing/certification that makes it significantly more expensive for smaller firms to bring devices to market.

> I’ll bet the exemption requires some sort of testing/certification that makes it significantly more expensive for smaller firms to bring devices to market.

Maybe that would be the case in the US but since that is the EU it will likely be some kind of self-certification where the manufacturer swears that they're not lying, and if enough people complain then maybe one of the national regulators will look into it and ask the manufacturer to do better.

Post reply on HN