Extended Producer Responsibility
EU Battery Regulation (EU 2023/1542)
The EU Batteries Regulation forms part of the European Union’s Green Deal and establishes a comprehensive framework governing batteries across their entire life cycle, from design and placing on the market to use, reuse and end-of-life treatment. Replacing the earlier Batteries Directive, the regulation applies to all battery types, including electric vehicle, industrial, and portable batteries.
Its goal is to reduce environmental impact, protect human health, and support a more circular economy.
The regulation introduces strengthened requirements relating to sustainability, safety, labelling, and transparency, and reinforces extended producer responsibility by requiring producers to take responsibility for batteries at the end of their life through improved collection, reuse, and recycling.
Learn more on the European Commission website:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj/eng
Our approach to battery circularity
At Volvo Group, electrification is a key pillar of our ambition to enable sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. Batteries play a central role in this transition, and we take responsibility for them throughout their entire life cycle.
We design batteries for our electric products with a focus on durability, safety, and long service life. When a battery encounters a problem or reaches the end of its first use, we aim to extend its value through appropriate circular solutions such as repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and repurposing – including potential second life applications like energy storage. When further use is no longer possible, batteries are collected through authorized take back systems and recycled responsibly, enabling the recovery of valuable materials.
By combining electrification with a strong circular approach to battery use, reuse and recycling, Volvo Group supports the objectives of the EU Batteries Regulation and contributes to a more resource‑efficient and sustainable future.
Volvo Group responsibilities
At Volvo Group, we take responsibility for our batteries throughout their life cycle – from placing on the market to end-of-life management.
Return & collection
When a battery reaches the end of its first life, it should never be discarded. Volvo Group ensures collection through authorized take‑back and collection systems, free of charge, so batteries can be handled safely and responsibly.
Legal obligations
Under the EU Batteries Regulation, battery producers have extended producer responsibility (EPR). This includes organizing the collection, take‑back and proper end‑of‑life treatment of batteries placed on the EU market. Volvo Group operates in line with these requirements and works to support circular battery management and reduce environmental impact.
Safety & labeling
Batteries are designed and labelled to support safe use, handling, and end‑of‑life management. Clear information on safety, symbols and proper handling is provided through product documentation and authorized service partners. For safety reasons, batteries should only be handled, removed, or returned through approved Volvo channels.
Our battery lifecycle
We follow a circular battery lifecycle for our electric products, focused on maximizing value before recycling becomes necessary.
- Reuse: Our batteries are designed for long service life and may be reused following inspection or refurbishment.
- Repair: Our batteries are designed to be modular in nature, allowing some local repairs and the refitting of batteries to their original vehicle to extend their operational life.
- Refurbishment: The performance of our used batteries can be restored by repairing or replacing key parts so that they are safe, reliable, and ready for continued use.
- Remanufacturing: Our used batteries can be restored to original as-new performance and reliability with brand‑new internal components and carefully reused parts.
- Repurpose: When no longer suitable for vehicle use, our batteries can be repurposed for use in alternative applications such as stationary energy storage systems.
- Recycle: When our batteries reach the end of all usable life, they are recycled at certified facilities to recover valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
Real Volvo Group use cases
Through Volvo Energy, batteries from electric vehicles can be given a second life in applications such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). These systems support renewable energy storage, grid stability, and extended resource utilization prior to recycling.
How it works in practice
Where to return your battery
Batteries should be returned via authorized Volvo dealers, workshops or designated collection points, which ensure safe handling and appropriate onward treatment.
Partner ecosystem
Volvo Group works with a network of approved partners, including service partners, logistics providers and certified recycling and treatment operators. In many EU countries, this includes cooperation with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to fulfil local EPR requirements.
Logistics / take‑back flow
Once collected, batteries follow a controlled reverse logistics flow:
- Safe transport from customer or workshop
- Assessment for appropriate first-life circular solutions such as repair, refurbishment, or remanufacturing
- Repurpose for a second‑life application where suitable
- Recycling at certified facilities when further use is no longer possible
What this means for you
What happens to your battery?
It is safely collected and assessed for appropriate first-life circular solutions, repurposing, or recycling – never landfilled.
Where does it go?
To authorized Volvo partners for circular preparation, second‑life applications, or certified recycling facilities.
Who handles it?
Volvo Group, together with approved service partners, logistics providers, and recycling specialists.