Electric car battery petition clears threshold but may miss parliament

A citizens’ initiative opposing Finnish authorities’ interpretation of the EU Batteries Regulation has collected more than 60,000 signatures, Yle reports. Published on Monday, it passed the 50,000-signature threshold required for consideration by Parliament within 24 hours.

The initiative was launched by Kokkola-based car repair entrepreneur Jesse Haapala and his partners. They say the authorities’ interpretation could make battery repairs at independent repair shops almost impossible.

Scrapped batteries classified as waste

According to Haapala, the central issue concerns the waste status of vehicle batteries. Under the authorities’ interpretation, a battery from a scrapped car becomes waste regardless of its condition.

If a repair shop uses parts from a battery classified as waste to repair a customer’s vehicle, the shop would be treated as a battery manufacturer. Haapala says this would trigger requirements that no operator in Finland could fulfil.

Independent repair shops have so far used recycled parts from used batteries, including battery modules, control units and battery casings.

New batteries can cost tens of thousands

Haapala says that applying the guidance as written would have significant consequences for consumers. Manufacturer-authorised dealers would repair batteries according to carmakers’ instructions, which in many cases would mean replacing the entire battery even when the fault was minor.

A new battery for a fully electric car costs between 10,000 and 100,000 euros, depending on the manufacturer, and often more than 50,000 euros.

“No one will buy a 75,000-euro battery for a 25,000-euro used electric car,” Haapala said.

He estimates that many repairs could instead be completed for a few thousand euros. Haapala said he strongly believes in the electrification of transport, but that the legislation needs a more reasonable interpretation for that transition to continue.

Minister calls for clearer guidance

The initiative has also attracted attention from decision-makers. Haapala said several members of Parliament had contacted him.

Environment and Climate Minister Sari Multala has called for clearer guidance on electric car battery repairs since the initiative was published. She said electric car owners must be able to trust that regulation will not make battery repairs unreasonably difficult or expensive, or cause usable cars to lose their value.

Initiative may not be debated before elections

Parliament is required to consider a citizens’ initiative once the Digi- ja väestötietovirasto authority has confirmed that it has received at least 50,000 statements of support.

However, an initiative lapses if Parliament does not consider it during the parliamentary term. The current term ends next spring, raising concerns that the initiative may not reach Parliament in time.

Supporters have also contacted Haapala because they are worried the initiative could lapse before it is considered. The source article ends while explaining that there may be strategic flexibility over when the initiative is formally submitted.