What is a Battery Passport?
Learn what a battery passport is, why it's mandatory from 2027, and what information must be included for EV and industrial battery compliance in the EU.
A Battery Passport is a specific type of digital product passport required for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, industrial batteries, and large rechargeable batteries sold in the EU. It provides comprehensive data about a battery's composition, performance, and lifecycle through a QR code or digital carrier.
Quick Facts
Mandatory Date: February 1, 2027 for EV and industrial batteries above 2 kWh
Legal Basis: EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542
Access Method: QR code on battery housing linking to online database
Unique Feature: Tracks individual battery units, not just models
Required Information
Battery passports must contain specific data categories:
Battery Identity
- Unique battery identifier
- Manufacturer details
- Manufacturing date and location
- Battery model and type
- Weight and dimensions
Material Composition
- Critical raw materials: Cobalt, lithium, nickel, graphite percentages
- Recycled content: Percentage of recycled materials used
- Hazardous substances: Lead, cadmium, mercury content
- Bill of materials: Complete component list
Performance Metrics
- Rated capacity (kWh)
- Expected lifetime (cycles)
- Temperature range
- Round trip efficiency
- Internal resistance
- State of Health (SoH) tracking
Carbon Footprint
- Total carbon footprint of manufacturing
- Carbon intensity per kWh
- Geographic origin of materials
- Renewable energy usage in production
End-of-Life Data
- Dismantling instructions
- Safety handling procedures
- Recycling facility information
- Material recovery potential
- Second-life application possibilities
Who Needs Battery Passports?
Battery passports are mandatory for placing batteries on the EU market. Non-compliance means products cannot be legally sold.
Manufacturers must create and maintain battery passports for:
- EV batteries (all capacities)
- Industrial batteries > 2 kWh
- LMT batteries (light means of transport like e-bikes)
- Stationary energy storage systems
Importers must verify battery passport existence before EU import
Recyclers must update end-of-life status and material recovery data
Key Differences from General DPPs
| Aspect | Battery Passport | General DPP |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | February 2027 | 2026-2030 (varies) |
| Regulation | Battery Regulation 2023/1542 | ESPR 2024/1781 |
| Tracking Level | Individual battery unit | Product/batch level |
| Dynamic Data | State of Health updates | Static after production |
| Transfer Requirements | Ownership changes recorded | Not required |
Implementation Timeline
February 2027 Battery passports mandatory for EV and industrial batteries
August 2028 Extended to all battery categories including portable devices
2030 Full lifecycle tracking and recycled content requirements
Technical Requirements
QR Code Placement: Permanently affixed to battery housing, accessible without dismantling
Data Storage: Minimum 10 years after battery end-of-life
Access Levels:
- Public: Basic sustainability data
- Economic operators: Detailed technical specifications
- Authorities: Complete compliance information
- Recyclers: Dismantling and material data
Business Impact
For EV Manufacturers
- Integration with vehicle identification systems
- Warranty management improvements
- Second-life market opportunities
- Supply chain transparency requirements
For Energy Storage Providers
- Performance guarantee documentation
- Grid integration compliance
- Asset valuation support
- Circular economy participation
Cost Implications
- Setup costs: €10,000-100,000 depending on volume
- Per-battery cost: €5-20 for data management
- Ongoing updates: €2-5 per battery per year
Getting Started
Assess Battery Portfolio Identify which batteries require passports
Collect Supply Chain Data Gather material origin and carbon footprint information
Choose Platform Provider Select EU-approved battery passport service
Implement Tracking Systems Deploy QR code generation and data management
Relationship to Other Requirements
Battery passports work alongside:
- ESPR Digital Product Passports: General product requirements
- Due Diligence Regulation: Supply chain responsibility
- Carbon Border Adjustment: Import carbon accounting
- EPR Schemes: Producer responsibility obligations
Battery passports represent the most advanced and detailed implementation of digital product passports, setting the standard for transparency and circular economy practices in the EU market.
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