New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed introducing an Aadhaar-like unique identification system for electric vehicle batteries to ensure end-to-end traceability and improve recycling efficiency.
Under the draft guidelines, battery producers and importers will be required to assign a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to every battery placed in the market or used for self-consumption.
The framework mandates uploading dynamic battery-related data on a dedicated BPAN portal, with the identification number to be affixed at a visible and durable location on the battery pack.
The BPAN will track critical information across the battery’s lifecycle, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage, recycling, repurposing, or final disposal.
Any significant change in battery attributes due to recycling or second-life use will necessitate the issuance of a new BPAN by the same or a different producer or importer.
The system is aimed at enhancing transparency, regulatory compliance, and environmental accountability, while supporting second-life applications and efficient recycling.
Given that EVs account for nearly 80-90 per cent of India’s lithium-ion battery demand, the ministry has proposed prioritising EV batteries during standard formulation.
The framework is expected to be developed through the Automotive Industry Standard route, with stakeholder consultations led by the Automotive Industry Standards Committee.
