In a move aimed at enhancing transparency and sustainability within India's rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector, the government has released draft guidelines for a "Battery Pack Aadhaar" system. This digital identity framework seeks to track batteries throughout their entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to disposal.
Under the proposed system, every battery pack used in EVs and large industrial applications (above 2 kWh, excluding Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) batteries and portable batteries) will be assigned a unique 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) along with a QR code. This BPAN will function as a digital identity for the battery throughout its operational life.
The framework distinguishes between static and dynamic data. Static information stored under the BPAN will include the manufacturer's details, battery specifications, material composition, and carbon footprint. Dynamic data, such as battery health, charge-discharge cycles, thermal events, and end-of-life status, will be hosted on a central server. Access to static battery information will be provided through a publicly available alphanumeric code and QR code, while dynamic, server-based data will remain restricted to authorized entities such as manufacturers, service providers, and recyclers, balancing traceability with data protection.
The initiative is expected to improve transparency, traceability, and sustainability in the EV sector, where lithium-ion batteries account for 80–90% of overall battery demand. By integrating with Battery Management Systems (BMS), AI-enabled diagnostics tools, and national EV databases, the Battery Pack Aadhaar framework could form the backbone of a battery intelligence ecosystem. The government also expects the system to help curb counterfeit battery products, enhance consumer confidence, and strengthen circular economy practices.
The Battery Pack Aadhaar system will also assist authorities in verifying the domestic origin of cells used in battery packs, as required under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC). Government programmes like the PLI scheme for ACC aim to scale up domestic battery production while maximizing local value addition.
This move comes amid growing concerns over safety hazards posed by unregulated charging stations for electric vehicles. The updated regulations impose rigorous criteria on battery pack design, onboard chargers, and thermal propagation, aimed at mitigating the risk of fire due to internal cell short-circuiting, among other factors. Requirements also encompass traceability of packs, the inclusion of an additional safety fuse, protection against regenerative braking, appropriate cell-to-cell spacing, and the incorporation of a microprocessor-based Battery Management System (BMS) equipped with all necessary protections.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body responsible for developing and enforcing safety and quality standards across industries. BIS standards for lithium batteries ensure that these energy storage devices meet stringent safety, performance, and reliability benchmarks and align with international norms to support India's integration into global markets.
