A QR code will soon make it possible to know the composition of the batteries of each electric vehicle as well as their environmental impact.
From 2026, electric car batteries could have an identity card. Indeed, the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) unveiled its “Battery Passport” project at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The objective of this device would be to be able to trace the batteries, from their manufacture to their use. Thus, this digital document would contain information such as the origin of the cells used, their manufacturers, the place of assembly, the number of cells per pack or the type of chemistry used. This passport is the conclusion of three years of negotiations between the various members of the GBA alliance (Tesla, Audi, BMW, BASF, CATL or VW, among others).
A QR code accessible to all
The arrival of this device is the consequence of a European will. Indeed, from July 1, 2024, car manufacturers will have to provide information on the batteries used and in particular a declaration of their carbon footprint. Two years later, in 2026, batteries will also have to bear an inscription indicating their energy performance class. Therefore, the “Battery Passport” only goes a little further by including social and environmental data that should be useful to the end buyer. These should be accessible via a QR code positioned on the battery.
This new traceability could give a more precise overview of the composition of each battery, of its intrinsic quality, but also of the various actors involved in the manufacturing process. Subsequently, from 2027, maximum carbon footprint thresholds will be set in order to eliminate the most polluting batteries. Finally, the long-term objective would be to control the composition of each battery by 2030. These must comply with a basic chemical composition (a minimum of 85% lead, 12% cobalt, 4% lithium and nickel). These proportions are likely to change as early as 2035 depending on the evolution of knowledge at that time.
Mandatory on January 1, 2026
The “Battery Passport” should be mandatory for all new cars sold from January 2026 in the European Union. It will also be extended to industrial batteries on the same date. Nevertheless, a question remains even before its implementation. Will it be equipped with a component to see the level of battery degradation, the famous SoH (State of Health)? Indeed, the Global Battery Alliance has not yet decided on the possibility of including the number of charge/discharge cycles in this famous battery health book.
