Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

Context

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a significant initiative to make India's rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem more transparent, sustainable, and regulatory-friendly.
• Under this initiative, it is planned to implement an Aadhaar-like unique identification system for batteries used in electric vehicles, called the Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN).
• This proposed system will enable tracking of the entire lifecycle of batteries, from production to use, recycling, and final disposal.

What is BPAN ?

• The Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) will be a 21-digit/letter unique identification number assigned to every battery pack introduced in the Indian market, specifically electric vehicle batteries.
• This number will serve as a digital identity for the battery, allowing it to track its entire journey from manufacture, use, and ultimately recycling or disposal.
• This system will be formally implemented through the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) pathway under the Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC).

Objectives

• Ensuring complete traceability throughout the entire lifecycle of batteries
• Encouraging recycling, secondary use (second-life applications), and safe disposal
• Promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability in the battery ecosystem

Key Features of BPAN

• Mandatory Unique Identification: Every battery manufacturer or importer will be required to issue a unique BPAN for every battery sold or used.
• Lifecycle-based data tracking: Data related to raw material sourcing, manufacturing process, shelf life, performance, reuse, recycling, and final disposal will be recorded.
• Dynamic update system: Any major technical or structural change to the battery will require a new BPAN.
• Durable and clear marking: The BPAN will be imprinted on the battery in a location where it cannot be easily removed, erased, or damaged.
• Integration with digital portal: Manufacturers and importers will be required to upload all battery-related information to the official BPAN portal.
• Prioritization for EV batteries: EV batteries account for approximately 80–90% of India's total lithium-ion battery demand, so they will be included in the first phase. Industrial batteries with a capacity greater than 2 kilowatt-hours have also been recommended to be included in this scope.

Significance

• This initiative will enable organized recycling and reuse of batteries.
• It will reduce the environmental and safety risks posed by improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
• It will strengthen the effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).