EV: Aadhaar for EV batteries!

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Today, Hyderabad: The use of electric vehicles (EV) is increasing rapidly in the country. In the background, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has come up with an innovative proposal for safety and transparency of key batteries. It has decided to assign a unique identification number to each battery pack, similar to our Aadhaar card. This 21-digit code known as 'Battery Pack Aadhaar Number' (BPAN) can be monitored at every stage from battery manufacturing to recycling. 

According to these new rules.. battery producers or importers must assign BPAN to every battery they introduce in the market. It's not just a number. All the information related to the battery is stored in it. From where the raw materials used for the battery are collected, manufacturing process, usage, recycling, every information can be known through this. It is mandatory to upload all these details from time to time in the official portal established by the government.

In order not to get lost..

The BPAN number should be visible and clear on the battery. Manufacturing companies should take precautions so that it does not wear out over time.

• If the battery is recycled or modified according to other requirements, it has to be assigned a new identification number.
• These regulations apply to batteries with a capacity higher than 2 kilowatt hours (kWh) used for industrial purposes. As currently 80-90 percent of the demand for lithium-ion batteries in the country comes from EVs, the first priority will be given to electric vehicles.

Not applicable to:SLI batteries used to start vehicles and small portable batteries are not covered by these regulations.

How It can be seen..

Users and concerned authorities can check this information in three ways.

• Alphanumeric Code: It is directly on the battery. Basic details can be found even without internet.
• QR Code: The recycling companies can see the materials in the battery, carbon emissions.
• Server based data: It is accessible only to authorized persons. Buyers of old batteries can check its quality through the server.

This is a revolutionary change

Through this new system, not only the performance of batteries can be accurately assessed, but also their impact on the environment. This will play a vital role especially in the case of second-use batteries. The Transport Department has proposed to implement this entire process as per Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) guidelines. The committee formed under these will have representatives of battery, EV manufacturers, recyclers and other regulatory bodies as members and oversee the technical aspects. Industry experts believe that this Aadhaar-style identification number will be a revolutionary change in the face of increasing use of batteries for household and industrial purposes.