The digital battery passport, explained
The digital battery passport is an electronic record required by the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) for every EV, light means of transport (LMT) and industrial battery above 2 kWh placed on the EU market from 18 February 2027. Accessible via a QR code, it documents the battery's carbon footprint, material composition, supply-chain due diligence and state of health.
From 18 February 2027, every EV battery placed on the EU market must carry a digital battery passport.
What the battery passport contains
The passport gathers static data (manufacturer, chemistry, capacity, carbon footprint, share of recycled content, critical raw materials) and dynamic data updated during use, such as state of health (SoH) and expected remaining lifetime.
This data lets a buyer, repairer or second-life operator judge the real condition and value of a battery without dismantling it.
Who it applies to and when
From 18 February 2027, the passport is mandatory for EV batteries, LMT batteries (e-bikes, scooters) and rechargeable industrial batteries above 2 kWh placed on the EU market. Whoever places the battery on the market is responsible for it.
Why it matters for circularity
Reuse decisions depend on trustworthy history: how the battery was charged, how it degraded, whether it was repaired. The passport makes this history portable, enabling second-life markets and better recycling.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the EU battery passport become mandatory?
- From 18 February 2027, for EV, LMT and industrial batteries above 2 kWh placed on the EU market, under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
- What information is in a battery passport?
- Battery chemistry and capacity, carbon footprint, recycled content, critical raw materials, supply-chain due diligence information, plus dynamic data such as state of health.
- How is a battery passport accessed?
- Through a QR code on the battery linking to the digital record, with tiered access levels for the public, professionals and authorities.
- Is the battery passport the same as the digital product passport?
- The battery passport is the first sector-specific implementation of the EU digital product passport concept, with its own legal basis in the Battery Regulation.