The Centre has released draft guidelines for a Battery Pack Aadhaar system, a digital identity framework aimed at tracking batteries throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal.
The move seeks to enhance transparency, traceability, and sustainability in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) sector, where lithium-ion batteries account for 80–90% of demand. While the guidelines primarily target EV batteries, they may also cover industrial batteries above 2 kWh, excluding Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) batteries and portable batteries.
From Static Data to AI Diagnostics: The BPAN Framework
Under the proposed framework, every battery pack for EVs and large industrial applications will receive a unique 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN), along with a QR code.
The BPAN will store static information such as the manufacturer’s identity, battery specifications, material composition, and carbon footprint. Dynamic data — including battery health, thermal events, charge-discharge cycles, and end-of-life status — will be maintained on a central server, enabling predictive maintenance and efficient recycling.
The initiative is also expected to curb counterfeit products, boost consumer confidence, and support circular economy efforts. By integrating with Battery Management Systems (BMS), AI-enabled diagnostics, and national EV databases, the Battery Pack Aadhaar could form the backbone of India’s emerging battery intelligence ecosystem.
Powering the PLI Scheme and the Circular Economy
Government programmes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) aim to scale up domestic battery production while maximizing local value addition. The Battery Pack Aadhaar system will assist authorities in verifying the domestic origin of cells used in battery packs, as required under the ACC PLI.
The methodology provides access to battery data via a publicly available static alphanumeric code and a QR code accessible to authorized users. Dynamic server-based data will remain restricted to approved entities such as service providers, recyclers, and manufacturers, ensuring reliable traceability while protecting sensitive information.
