India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has released draft guidelines for the implementation of a Battery Pack Aadhaar (digital record of a battery pack) system, an indigenous digital identification and data storage system designed to ensure full lifecycle traceability of batteries, particularly those used in electric vehicles (EVs).
Battery Pack Aadhaar is a digital identification and data-record system that assigns a unique identity (21-character alphanumeric code) to each battery pack. The system captures critical information from raw material sourcing and manufacturing through usage, repurposing, recycling, or final disposal. The initiative aims to improve transparency, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and support a circular economy for batteries. Using the alphanumeric code, basic battery details can be decoded even without an internet connection.
The guidelines mandate Battery Pack Aadhaar for electric vehicle batteries for L-category vehicles (two- and three-wheelers), EV batteries for M and N categories (passenger and commercial vehicles), and industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kWh.
The current draft primarily focuses on EV batteries, though, if required, it may also be referenced for industrial batteries above 2 kWh. Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) batteries and portable batteries are excluded from the scope.
Each Battery Pack Aadhaar will contain static information such as Battery Manufacturer Identifier, Battery Descriptor and Identifier details, Battery material composition, and Battery carbon footprint, as well as Battery Dynamic Data (BDD) that is real-time recorded or frequently updated battery operational information that reflects the battery’s current status and performance.
The digital record tracking a battery’s journey, relies on a diverse ecosystem of “stakeholders.” These stakeholders, ranging from raw material suppliers to recyclers, contribute vital data throughout the battery’s lifecycle. Their collective participation ensures transparency, promotes sustainability, and drives the circular economy for batteries.
Battery producers and importers will be required to assign a unique Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to every battery introduced into the market or used internally. The BPAN must be physically marked on the battery pack in both alphanumeric and QR code formats, and relevant battery pack dynamic data must be uploaded to a government-managed digital portal.
The Battery Pack Aadhaar system is expected to support government initiatives such as India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC). By tracking battery cell origin, the Aadhaar system will help authorities verify whether the cells used in battery packs are produced domestically as mandated under ACC PLI.
Hiren Pravin Shah, Founder, Managing Director & CEO, REPLUS Engitech, says, “The Battery Aadhaar guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways are a crucial step towards strengthening transparency, traceability and accountability across India’s EV and energy storage ecosystem. By assigning a unique digital identity to each battery, the framework enables lifecycle tracking from manufacturing and deployment to second-life usage and recycling.”
“For manufacturers, this initiative supports standardised compliance, improved quality control, and discourages the circulation of sub-standard imports directly aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. OEMs and fleet operators benefit from enhanced performance visibility, predictive maintenance, and better asset valuation, while consumers gain greater safety, trust and product reliability,” Shah added. “Equally important, recyclers and second-life solution providers receive structured data that enables efficient recovery and circular economy practices, reducing import dependence on critical materials. Overall, Battery Aadhaar lays the foundation for a self-reliant, data-driven and sustainable domestic battery value chain in India.”
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