Aadhaar Number for EV Batteries: New Rules Come into Effect

In light of the rapid increase in the use of electric vehicles in the country, the Union Ministry of Road Transport has taken a crucial decision regarding the safety and transparency of batteries. From now on, every EV battery will have a unique identification number, similar to an Aadhaar card. This will be called the Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN). This 21-digit number will allow tracking of all stages of the battery's lifecycle, from manufacturing to usage and finally recycling. Battery manufacturers or importers will have to assign this number to each battery and register the relevant details on a government portal.

This number must be clearly visible on the battery, and companies must take precautions to ensure it does not fade over time. A new number will have to be assigned if the battery is recycled or repurposed for other uses. These regulations primarily apply to batteries with a capacity exceeding 2 kilowatt-hours. However, this does not apply to SLI batteries used for starting vehicles or small portable batteries. Consumers and authorities can access the details through an alphanumeric code, QR code, and server-based data. Industry experts say that this system will not only curb counterfeit batteries but will also be crucial in assessing the environmental impact.