Minimum energy efficiency standard for battery chargers in California

Going green is big business, and also quite an issue to debate about among different circles – corporate, political or otherwise. Take note that a 3-0 vote today saw the California Energy Commission adopt a minimum energy efficiency standard for battery chargers. This would mean California achieves yet another first, being the first state in the US to adopt such a resolution. Why would Californians do that? After all, many devices and gadgets that we use these days rely on rechargeable batteries, while they feature charging systems that support your mobile lifestyle and add convenience to the equation. Too bad the majority of battery-powered devices on the market still rely on inefficient and outdated charging systems, which means plenty of energy is wasted as heat. Averaging two thirds of the charge energy being wasted as heat, this means worst case scenarios see 3% of the charge energy arriving at the product. This new standard will allow new charging systems sold in California to charge efficiently, and quit their charging the moment batteries are full.

Just what devices will fall under this new standard? We are looking at consumer and non-consumer products regardless of size which are juiced by a rechargeable battery, comprising smartphones, cordless phones, notebooks, portable media players, personal care products, power tools, auto/marine/RV chargers, and off-road vehicles. Not only that, this standard will also help save the equivalent annual electricity use of all the households in a city the size of San Jose, California, while reducing California’s CO2 emissions by 1.8 million tons each year. Will the federal level follow suit?

Edwin Kee
Categories: Green
Tags: california