NEW DELHI: India is set to introduce a “Battery Passport” system aimed at providing electric vehicle (EV) owners with comprehensive information about their vehicle’s battery. This system will digitally record key details about each battery, including its origin, performance, composition, lifespan, and the entire supply chain, which will be embedded in a QR code.
Niti Aayog is currently in talks with various ministries and government departments to finalize the framework, sources have revealed. Officials explained that the battery passport will function similarly to an Aadhaar ID, giving each battery a unique identifier with full access to its data.
This initiative is expected to raise safety and quality standards while also boosting India’s EV export potential. Notably, the country is offering incentives to global EV manufacturers to set up production facilities in India and export vehicles from there. The system will also play a pivotal role in the upcoming battery swapping policy, which will allow vehicle owners to scan the QR code to access detailed battery information.
The idea for the battery passport emerged in response to recent fire incidents involving electric two-wheelers and cars. Industry experts pointed out that some companies have been using battery cells from different production years in the same module, which can cause uneven wear and tear.
“When cells from different years are combined, newer cells bear the brunt, as older cells are nearing the end of their lifespan. This imbalance can affect performance and pose safety risks,” explained a source.
Once the battery passport is implemented, it will ensure that all cells in a battery are of the same age, improving performance and safety. The system will also give users clear insights into the battery’s lifecycle, which is crucial since batteries constitute nearly 40% of an EV’s cost, according to an official.
A source stated, “This system will help achieve three key objectives: enhancing trade (via EV exports), improving safety, and ensuring better quality.”
In 2023, the European Union enacted the Battery Regulation, requiring all industrial and EV batteries with a capacity over 2 kWh to have a battery passport by February 1, 2027. The passport will include data from mining and refining companies, battery manufacturers, vehicle brands, and those involved in battery servicing, refurbishment, and recycling.
EU regulations mandate that the battery passport must contain detailed information, such as a unique identifier, basic battery characteristics (type and model), performance statistics, durability, and the carbon footprint specific to the manufacturing site and batch. This information will be shared with three key groups: the general public, regulatory bodies, and battery service providers or recycling companies.
