Aadhaar-like unique ID for EV batteries coming soon in India:Government proposes 21-digit Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN)

The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed a new system to identify and track electric vehicle (EV) batteries across their entire life cycle. Under the plan, every EV battery in India will be assigned a unique 21-digit identification number, called the Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN). The BPAN will allow authorities to track a battery’s journey—from manufacturing and usage to degradation and recycling—through a single digital platform. 21-Digit BPAN to Be Mandatory for All EV Batteries As per draft guidelines issued by the ministry, it will be mandatory for battery manufacturers and importers to assign a 21-character BPAN to every battery pack. The rule will apply not only to batteries sold commercially but also to those manufactured for internal or captive use by companies. BPAN Must Be Non-Removable and Clearly Visible New BPAN After Recycling or Repurposing A key feature of the system is full life-cycle monitoring. BPAN will store details related to raw material sourcing, manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life recycling. If a battery is recycled or repurposed for another use, a new BPAN will be issued, ensuring transparency between the old and reused battery. Rules to Cover Industrial Batteries Above 2 kWh Since 80–90% of India’s lithium-ion battery demand comes from the EV sector, EV batteries will be covered in the initial phase. However, the draft guidelines also propose extending BPAN rules to industrial batteries with a capacity exceeding 2 kWh. AIS Committee to Frame Standards The Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) framework will be used to implement BPAN. A dedicated committee—comprising battery manufacturers, automakers, recyclers, and government officials—will finalize technical standards and ensure uniform implementation. Key Benefits of the BPAN System What Is ‘Battery Second Life’? When an EV battery’s capacity drops to 70–80%, it is no longer ideal for vehicle use. However, it can still be reused for home inverters or solar energy storage. The BPAN system will help identify such batteries and enable their safe and efficient repurposing.