The Transport Ministry has proposed assigning an Aadhaar-like unique identification number to electric vehicle batteries to enable end-to-end traceability and improve recycling efficiency across the battery value chain. Under draft guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, battery producers and importers will be required to assign a 21-character Battery Pack Aadhaar Number (BPAN) to every battery introduced in the market, including those used for self-consumption. Manufacturers will also need to upload relevant Battery Pack Dynamic data on the official BPAN portal. According to the guidelines, BPAN must be placed in a clearly visible and accessible location on the battery, chosen in a way that prevents damage or deterioration. The identification system is designed to capture and store critical information throughout the battery lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to usage, recycling and final disposal. Any change in a battery’s attributes due to recycling or repurposing will require the issuance of a new BPAN, either by the same producer or a new importer. The framework aims to enhance transparency, accountability and sustainability in the battery ecosystem by enabling accurate tracking of performance and environmental impact. The ministry said BPAN would play a key role in supporting second-life applications, regulatory compliance and efficient recycling processes. Electric vehicle applications currently account for around 80–90 per cent of India’s total lithium-ion battery demand, far exceeding usage in industrial and non-automotive segments. While the guidelines recommend applying BPAN to industrial batteries above 2 kWh, they propose prioritising electric vehicle batteries during the initial phase of standard formulation, given their scale, safety considerations and regulatory significance. This approach, the ministry said, would ensure that the framework addresses the most impactful segment of India’s battery ecosystem at the outset. The draft also recommends implementing the Battery Pack Aadhaar framework through the Automotive Industry Standard route under the Automotive Industry Standards Committee. This process would allow structured stakeholder consultation, technical validation and alignment with existing automotive regulations to ensure national uniformity and regulatory acceptance. The committee may include representatives from battery manufacturers, electric vehicle makers, recyclers, testing agencies and regulatory bodies to address practical implementation issues across the battery lifecycle. As India advances towards digitalisation and electrification, energy storage cells are becoming central to reliable and efficient power delivery, not only for electric mobility but also for residential energy storage, industrial operations and power generation and distribution.