India is preparing to introduce a comprehensive digital tracking framework for electric vehicle (EV) batteries as part of its push to improve safety, traceability, and environmental accountability. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the introduction of a Battery Pack Aadhaar System, which would assign a unique digital identity to every EV battery used or sold in the country.
At the core of the proposal is a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN), designed to serve as a permanent identifier for batteries throughout their operational life cycle.
Understanding the Battery Pack Aadhaar Framework
As per the draft guidelines, manufacturers and importers will be responsible for generating and assigning a BPAN to each battery pack placed in the Indian market or used for internal operations. The identifier must be displayed prominently on the battery pack in a manner that ensures durability and easy accessibility.
In addition to physical marking, every battery will also have a corresponding digital record, allowing regulators and authorised stakeholders to monitor battery data electronically.
Scope of Battery Coverage
The proposed framework will apply to batteries already regulated under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. These include:
- EV batteries used in L-category vehicles
- EV batteries for M and N-category vehicles
- Industrial batteries with capacities exceeding 2 kWh
By covering both vehicle-related and large-capacity industrial batteries, the system aims to establish a unified national traceability mechanism.
Data Embedded in the Battery Aadhaar
Each Battery Pack Aadhaar will store extensive information related to the battery’s technical specifications and environmental impact. Key data points include:
- Manufacturer identification details
- Battery descriptors and serial identifiers
- Material composition of the battery
- Carbon footprint metrics
- Dynamic performance and usage data over time
This data trail enables comprehensive monitoring from production and deployment to recycling and final disposal.
Importance of the Initiative
The Battery Pack Aadhaar System is expected to enhance transparency and accountability across India’s battery value chain. By enabling end-to-end tracking, the framework can support efficient recycling, discourage unsafe disposal practices, and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy. It also creates a shared data platform for manufacturers, recyclers, and regulators, improving coordination and compliance.
Next Steps in Implementation
MoRTH is currently awaiting a committee report that will outline the detailed implementation roadmap. The ministry has proposed introducing the system through the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) process, which allows for industry consultation, technical assessment, and alignment with existing automotive regulations.
Summary
The proposed Battery Pack Aadhaar System represents a significant step in strengthening India’s EV ecosystem. By assigning a unique digital identity to batteries and enabling lifecycle tracking, the initiative aims to improve safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory oversight. Once implemented, it could play a crucial role in supporting responsible battery usage and recycling as EV adoption accelerates nationwide.
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