New Delhi- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed introducing a unique identification system for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, similar to Aadhaar, to strengthen tracking, safety oversight and recycling across the battery life cycle.
The proposed framework aims to ensure end-to-end traceability of batteries, from manufacturing and use to recycling or final disposal.
According to the draft guidelines issued by the ministry, every battery manufacturer or importer will be required to assign a unique 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to each battery placed on the market or used for self-consumption. In addition, companies must upload all relevant battery-related information to a designated BPAN portal.
The guidelines specify that the BPAN must be affixed to the battery in a clearly visible and easily accessible location. The identification mark should be positioned in a way that ensures it is not damaged or destroyed during the battery’s operational life.
As outlined in the draft, the BPAN system will record critical data covering the entire battery journey — from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage, recycling and eventual disposal. If a battery is recycled or repurposed and its characteristics change, a fresh BPAN will need to be issued by the same or a different producer or importer.
The ministry said the proposed mechanism is intended to enhance transparency, accountability and sustainability within India’s battery ecosystem. By enabling systematic tracking of battery performance and environmental impact, the framework is expected to support stronger regulatory compliance, encourage second-life applications and improve recycling efficiency.
Electric vehicles currently account for around 80–90 per cent of India’s total lithium-ion battery demand, significantly higher than industrial or other non-automotive uses. Given this dominance, along with associated safety and regulatory considerations, the draft guidelines recommend prioritising EV batteries while developing standards under the BPAN framework.
While the system is proposed for industrial batteries above 2 kWh, the ministry noted that focusing initially on EV batteries would address the most critical and impactful segment of the battery ecosystem.
The draft further recommends developing the Battery Pack Aadhaar framework through the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) route under the Automotive Industry Standards Committee. This approach would allow for structured stakeholder consultations, technical evaluations and alignment with existing automotive regulations.
The committee may include representatives from battery manufacturers, EV makers, recyclers, testing agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that practical challenges across the entire battery life cycle are adequately addressed.
The ministry also highlighted that as global economies move rapidly toward digitalisation and electrification, energy storage cells have become essential for ensuring reliable and efficient power systems.
With inputs from IANS