KATHMANDU: India is set to roll out a “Battery Passport” system for electric vehicles (EVs) in a move to improve safety, traceability and export potential, according to a report by The Times of India.
The system will digitally record the full lifecycle of EV batteries from manufacturing and usage to recycling.
The initiative is being led by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with various ministries. It takes cues from the European Union’s Battery Regulation, which mandates similar passports for batteries over 2 kWh capacity starting February 2027.
Each battery will carry a unique digital identity in the form of a QR code. This will allow users, regulators and service providers to scan and access key details instantly.
The passport will include information on the battery’s origin, performance, composition and carbon footprint. It aims to prevent unsafe practices such as combining cells of different age groups, which can lead to fire risks and performance issues.
The government expects the system to support three main goals: product safety, better quality control and increased EV exports.
Battery costs make up nearly 40 % of an EV’s price. Transparency in battery lifespan and emissions is expected to benefit consumers and improve confidence in EV adoption.
A draft policy is expected soon. Implementation will be phased across all EV segments two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers.
This move aligns with India’s push to become a global EV manufacturing hub. Production-linked incentives have already drawn international companies to invest in the sector.
