India's Battery Revolution: BPAN Traceability for EVs

The transport ministry has proposed a unique identification system for EV batteries called Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN). This initiative aims to enhance traceability, recycling efficiency, and sustainability in the battery ecosystem, prioritizing electric vehicle applications to address significant lithium-ion demand in India.

The transport ministry has introduced a groundbreaking proposal to assign a unique identification number to electric vehicle (EV) batteries, called the Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN). This initiative is set to revolutionize the battery ecosystem by ensuring comprehensive traceability and promoting efficient recycling practices.

According to draft guidelines, the BPAN system mandates that producers or importers assign a 21-character identifier to each battery entering the market. The identifiable BPAN will be visible and durable, capturing essential information from production to disposal, facilitating its robust tracking across its lifecycle.

Given the significant demand driven by electric vehicles, constituting 80-90% of India's lithium-ion battery needs, the ministry emphasizes prioritizing EV batteries during the standard formulation process. This initiative is expected to bring accountability and sustainability, with a focus on seamless integration into existing industry standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)