EV BATTERY PASSPORTS IN EUROPE
An Electric Vehicle (EV) is a type of automobile that is powered entirely or partially by electric power. Unlike conventional vehicles that rely on internal combustion engines and fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel, EVs utilize electric motors and draw energy primarily from rechargeable battery packs. This fundamental shift in power source offers numerous environmental and economic benefits, including reduced emissions and lower operating costs.
Europe is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its transportation sector, driven by the surging popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are rapidly becoming a mainstream choice for European drivers. This surge is fueled by the following factors:
Stricter emissions regulations: European governments are tightening regulations to combat climate change, pushing car manufacturers to develop cleaner alternatives.
Government incentives: Countries offer financial incentives for purchasing EVs, such as tax breaks and subsidies. E.g. — In India Section 80EEB provides tax savings up to Rs 1.5 lakh on electric car loan interest. The FAME scheme aims to promote electric mobility, offering financial incentives for electric vehicle purchases and infrastructure development.
Technological advancements: Battery range and charging times are improving significantly, making EVs a more practical option for everyday use.
Growing environmental consciousness: European consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental impact, making EVs an attractive option
With all the advantages of EVs and the excitement surrounding this electric revolution, critical questions like the following arise:
What happens to the lithium-ion batteries that power these vehicles once they reach the end of their road? How will one know where the batteries are and their collection rate once the cars reach end of life? What is the chemical composition, carbon footprint, battery health, performance Etc., of the EV battery?
Due the above and many important reasons the European Union has decided to mandate battery passports for all new EVs sold in the region starting in February 2027.
Battery passports will be mandatory for electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the European Union from February 2027 showing the composition of batteries, including the origin of key materials, their carbon footprint and recycled content. — Source : business-standard.com
What is a Battery Passport?
The Battery Passport is a technology platform that enables all stakeholders in the supply and value chains to share information about a battery and its history to maximize safety, optimize battery use throughout lifecycles and ensure responsible recycling at end of life. Battery minerals, battery packs and key components (modules, cells) are IoT enabled so data can be shared between qualified stakeholders on a distributed ledger or blockchain. All stakeholders have access to this permissioned data in real time, and the data is immutable.
The European Commission and the Global Battery Alliance have recognized the Battery Passport as the best tool to support the 3 pillars of an electric vehicle battery circular economy. The proposed EU Battery Regulation calls for “Mandatory supply chain due diligence addressing the social and environmental risks related to extracting, processing and trading raw materials for battery manufacturing purposes”. — Source : everledger.io
Battery passports are going to be used for several important reasons like:
Traceability: They provide detailed information about the battery’s lifecycle, from production to disposal, helping to track its origins and materials used.
Sustainability: By ensuring that batteries meet certain environmental and ethical standards, battery passports promote more sustainable and responsible production practices.
Recycling and Reuse: They facilitate the recycling and repurposing of batteries by providing essential information about the battery’s composition and condition, thus supporting a circular economy.
Regulatory Compliance: Battery passports help manufacturers and users comply with regulations and standards set by governments and international bodies regarding battery production, use, and disposal.
Consumer Transparency: They offer consumers insights into the environmental impact and safety of the batteries they use, encouraging informed purchasing decisions.
Safety: Detailed information on battery health and performance can prevent accidents and improve the management of batteries throughout their lifecycle.
World’s first vehicle with EV battery passport
The new Volvo EX90 electric SUV will hit the market with the “world’s first EV battery passport” later this year (2024). Volvo is launching the EV battery passport to show car buyers key info like the battery’s composition, where its materials are from, and its carbon footprint.
Volvo was one of the first legacy automakers to commit to an all-electric future by 2030. And it continues to stand by that promise today. The automaker’s commitment has paid off so far, with new all-electric models rolling out in key markets globally. Volvo launched the EX30, its smallest and most affordable EV, last year. Despite its compact size, the EX30 is already having a significant impact. — Source: electrek.co
