While many industries are still waiting for their specific data requirements, the battery sector already has a fixed deadline. From 18 February 2027, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, light means of transport (LMT) batteries and industrial batteries with a capacity over 2 kWh must have an electronic battery passport, an implementation of the broader concept of Digital Product Passports (DPP).

The requirements are set out in the Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The regulation requires that certain information about the battery can be accessed digitally through an electronic record, and that batteries can be identified through labelling.

Which batteries are covered?

The battery passport applies from 18 February 2027 to the following battery types:

  • EV batteries: Batteries for electric vehicles.
  • Industrial batteries (over 2 kWh): Industrial batteries with a capacity over 2 kWh.
  • LMT batteries: Batteries for light means of transport (such as e-bikes, e-scooters and similar).

Who is responsible for the battery passport?

Responsibility for meeting the battery passport requirements lies with the relevant economic operator in the value chain. In practice, this will typically be the manufacturer or the importer, depending on how the battery is placed on the EU market.

What is a battery passport in practice?

A battery passport is an electronic record linked to a unique battery ID. The battery must be physically labelled with a QR code that connects to the record.

The information in the battery passport must be available in an interoperable format based on open standards. Access to the data is divided by access level, so different user groups can see different information.

Mandatory data points in the battery passport

The battery passport must contain both information about the battery model and information specific to the individual battery. The information is divided into different access levels (public access, authorities and persons with a legitimate interest). See our detailed review of what data is required in a DPP.

Materials and origin

The battery passport contains information on critical raw materials and materials in the battery, including relevant information on recycled content.

Carbon footprint

The battery passport contains a carbon footprint declaration for the battery model per manufacturing plant, with the calculation basis divided into the relevant life cycle stages.

Performance and durability

The battery passport contains information on the battery's properties and performance, including parameters used to document performance and durability.

Supply chain due diligence

The battery passport contains information on due diligence and responsible sourcing in the supply chain, which the regulation requires to be documented and reported.

Technical implementation: QR codes and access

Batteries must be physically labelled with a QR code. The QR code links the battery to an electronic record with a unique ID. Which information a user can see depends on the access level.

  • Public access: Can include general information, safety and usage information, and relevant information on correct handling and waste treatment.
  • Authorities: Have access to the information needed for market surveillance and enforcement.
  • Persons with a legitimate interest: Can access further information to the extent set out in the regulation's rules and implementing provisions.

Timeline: what you need to know

  • August 2023: The Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 enters into force.
  • February 2024: The regulation starts to apply generally (with exceptions where other dates apply).
  • August 2024: Up-to-date data for determining the battery's state of health and expected lifetime must be contained in the BMS for BESS, LMT and EV.
  • February 2027: The battery passport becomes mandatory for EV batteries, LMT batteries and industrial batteries over 2 kWh. Read more about when the DPP becomes mandatory for other product categories.

The three biggest challenges for manufacturers

The Battery Regulation typically brings three central implementation areas for companies:

  1. Data foundation and documentation: The company must be able to document the data points required in the battery passport, including carbon footprint and relevant material data.
  2. Interoperability and a standardised data format: Information in the battery passport must be based on open standards and interoperable formats that can be exchanged through an open, interoperable data exchange network.
  3. Up-to-date information: The battery passport must contain correct, complete and up-to-date information in line with the regulation's requirements and the division of responsibility in the value chain.

What should you do now?

  • Clarify whether your batteries are covered (EV, LMT or industrial batteries over 2 kWh).
  • Assign responsibility internally (who must supply data and ensure the requirements can be documented).
  • Map data sources (product data, material data, carbon footprint, compliance and due diligence documentation).
  • Identify missing supplier data and decide how it will be collected and validated.
  • Define your data model and access levels, so data can be shared correctly via QR/ID and interoperable formats.
  • Test a technical prototype where a battery ID can be displayed and updated correctly, see how Syntakk handles this.

Summary

The Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 establishes that the electronic battery passport becomes mandatory from 18 February 2027 for EV batteries, LMT batteries and industrial batteries over 2 kWh. The regulation also sets requirements for which information must be included, how it must be accessible via labelling, and how data must be interoperable and available by access level.