Dec 07, 2022 21:00:00

Advocates of the right to repair warn that the bill banning the reuse of lithium-ion batteries is 'absolutely crazy'

Lithium-ion batteries are now found in a wide range of battery-powered devices, from smartphones to electric vehicles. However,

lithium-ion batteries can catch fire and explode, and in fact, there have been multiple reports of explosions in headphones and smartphones . Concerned about the explosion of such lithium-ion batteries, in New York, USA, a bill to prohibit the reuse of lithium-ion batteries has been submitted to Congress, but experts say that this bill will bring unintended consequences. I am warning you.

New York City Bill to Ban Reuse of Lithium Ion Batteries Is 'Absolutely Crazy,' Right-to-Repair Advocates Warn
https://www.vice.com/en/article/dy7eka/new-york-city-bill-to-ban-reuse-of-lithium-ion-batteries-is-absolutely-crazy-right-to-repair- advocates-warn

In New York, USA, there have been multiple fire accidents caused by lithium-ion batteries loaded on electric bicycles in 2022. According to the New York Fire Department, as of April 2022, more than 40 fires have occurred due to electric bicycles and electric scooters, and technology media Motherboard said, ``In 2022, lithium rechargeable batteries for electric bicycles will be used. It has caused more than 200 fires.'

In response to this situation, the New York City Council has submitted a bill to prohibit the reuse of lithium-ion batteries used in electronic devices. However, some experts and others say the bill interferes with the right to repair . A bill that is particularly problematic is ``prohibiting the reuse of lithium-ion batteries used in all kinds of electronic devices, not just electric bicycles.''

Gay Gordon-Byrne, executive director of The Repair Association , a non-profit organization that claims the right to repair, said about the bill to prohibit the reuse of lithium-ion batteries, ``Trade in second-hand or refurbished products including batteries. Are you aware of the dangers that could develop into prohibiting it?' I question the bill.

The right to repair has attracted attention in recent years as it leads to the formation of a sustainable and environmentally friendly ecosystem, especially for the repair of consumer electronics. The

New York State Legislature also supports the right to repair, and in June 2022 passed the first law in the United States on the right to repair electronic equipment. However, Governor Cathy Hochol, who was re-elected as Governor of New York after this law was passed, has not signed this law at the time of writing.

The New York State Legislature passed the first bill in the United States that recognizes the ``right to repair'' for a wide range of electronic devices - GIGAZINE

However, experts say that this right to repair is about to be violated by the fire of electric bicycles in New York. The New York City Council is devising five bills to reduce fires caused by e-bikes. Three of the bills are about information campaigns and reporting requirements for fire departments, one of which ``mandates that mobility such as electric vehicles be equipped only with certified batteries''. And the fifth is to ``prohibit the reuse of lithium-ion batteries used in all kinds of electronic devices, not just electric bicycles.'' It has been pointed out that this fifth item may significantly infringe the right to repair.

However, according to Motherboard, the 'electric bicycle' in question is not made by the manufacturer, but is actually something like a remodeled and strengthened scooter or moped. Motherboard points out that this kind of modified motorcycle created by the DIY culture has a high risk of fire because it is equipped with a relatively large battery containing flammable chemicals.

Furthermore, Motherboard pointed out, ``Although it is said that the fire has occurred due to the modified motorcycle, the problem is that nothing has been clarified about the details of the fire yet.'' Ignition and explosion of lithium-ion batteries are caused by various reasons, such as `` improper manufacturing method '', `` battery damage '', and `` improper charging method ''. And each of these solutions will be different, so Motherboard notes that the New York City Council has been forced to come up with five bills.

Of particular concern is the fifth bill, which prohibits the reuse of lithium-ion batteries. If this bill is realized, not only will second-hand lithium-ion batteries be unavailable in New York, but all second-hand electrical appliances equipped with lithium-ion batteries may not be sold.

Nathan Proctor, senior director of the American Public Interest Research Group, which promotes the right to repair, said the bill submitted to the New York City Council ``may have a serious impact on the electric vehicle industry in particular.'' Proctor fears the New York bill could complicate the situation, as it is 'common' in the electric vehicle industry to repair batteries by combining multiple battery cells from used lithium-ion batteries. There is.

“We believe battery recycling is an integral part of the transition to sustainable electric vehicles,” Proctor said. If this claim is correct, I think it should pass safety regulations, but if not, it will lead to abandoning an important element for building a better recycling-oriented society.' It preaches the danger of prohibiting the reuse of batteries.

Kyle Waynes, CEO of iFixit, a familiar repairer who disassembles electronic devices such as iPhones, said, ``Battery certification company that benefits from this bill Even scientists at Underwriters Laboratories are fully committed to reusing batteries He said it would be overkill to ban it,' he said . In addition, ``I have never seen evidence that reused batteries are more dangerous than new batteries,'' he argues that the bill banning battery reuse is wrong.