Transport ministry proposes Aadhar-type number for EV batteries to track recycling
The unique 21-character Battery pack Aadhar Number (BPAN) for batteries will help in tracking the enabling second-life usage, regulatory compliance and efficient recycling and much more.
New Delhi: The transport ministry have proposed assigning an Aadhar-like unique identification number for EV batteries in order to have better end-to-end traceability and efficient recycling. The proposed framework will make it necessary for battery maker or importer to have a 21-character Battery pack Aadhar Number (BPAN) for batteries, according to the draft guidelines issued by the ministry.
They will also be required to upload the relevant Battery Pack Dynamic data on the official portal of BPAN.
The guidelines stated, "The battery producer or importer shall have the obligation of assigning a unique Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to each battery that they introduce in the market and the battery they put to self-use. BPAN shall be in a clearly visible and accessible position. The location shall be chosen in a way that it cannot be destroyed or deteriorate.”
BPAN will also take and save important information starting from raw material extraction anf making to the use, recycling or final disposal, according to the ‘Guidelines For Implementation Of Battery pack Aadhar System’. By the guidelines, any change to the attributes of BPAN owing to recycling and repurposing will result in a new BPAN by the same or a new producer or importer.
The system will bring transparency, accountability and sustainability to the entire battery ecosystem, of course, with proper tracking of performance and environmental impact. BPAN will be quite crucial in terms of enabling second-life usage, regulatory compliance and efficient recycling.
Even though the guidelines suggest applying BPAN to industrial batteries with capacities above 2 kWh, they propose prioritising electric vehicle batteries during the initial phase of standard development. All this is owing to their large volumes, safety considerations, and regulatory significance.
The guidelines also suggest advancing the Battery Pack Aadhaar framework through the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) pathway under the Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC) after the established, multi-stage standardisation method.