A new set of rules-Regulation (EU) 2023/1542-has changed the rules that apply to the life cycle of batteries in the European Union (EU). The updated framework covers everything from manufacturing through to reuse. According to the European Commission, the aim is to boost transparency and improve consumer safety around this component.
One of the headline measures in the regulation is the battery passport, which is only expected to take effect in 2027. The intention is to make detailed battery information accessible-such as where it came from, which materials it contains, and key details recorded after the factory stage.
The European Commission says that “the new rules are intended to promote the circular economy by applying to the entire life cycle of batteries”, thereby increasing transparency.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542: what changes for batteries in the EU
The new rules extend across the full battery chain, from production requirements to reuse pathways, with a stronger emphasis on traceability and clearer information for end users.
In practice, the battery passport is positioned as a tool to make battery data easier to check and compare-supporting both consumer confidence and more circular handling of batteries once they reach end of life.
Which batteries will need a battery passport
The battery passport will be mandatory not only for electric car batteries, but also for all waste streams involving portable batteries, industrial batteries, starter batteries, batteries used for lighting, and light means of transport (bicycles, mopeds and electric scooters, etc.).
How will it work?
Unlike the travel passports people carry, this will not be a physical booklet. Instead, the battery passport will be available via a QR code, “which is linked to a unique identifier assigned by the economic operator that places the battery on the market”.
This means that scanning the QR code makes it possible to view the battery’s life-cycle information-or, more accurately, most of it. To protect intellectual property, the information shown will vary depending on the type of user.
“Not everyone will have access to the same data. The manufacturer has access to everything. But the buyer only has access to general information (…) such as the battery’s capacity and state of health.”
Ellen Carey, Head of External Affairs at Circulor, a company that produces battery passports
Even with restricted access, these passports should give buyers more insight into their vehicle-particularly into a component that is among the most expensive in fully electric vehicles.
It is also a measure that could affect the process of buying a used car, by giving purchasers additional tools to support their decision-making.
What information must be in the passport?
Under EU Regulation 2023/1542, the publicly accessible information must include: manufacturer name; battery category and battery identification information; place and date of manufacture; weight; capacity; chemical composition; any hazardous substances present (beyond mercury, cadmium or lead); the extinguishing agent to be used; and any critical raw materials present.
In addition, it must also include:
- carbon footprint;
- responsible sourcing;
- recycled content;
- share of renewable content;
- nominal capacity (Ah);
- minimum, nominal and maximum voltage;
- power capability (watts) and limits;
- lifetime (in cycles);
- capacity fade threshold;
- temperature range the battery can withstand (when not in use);
- storage lifetime period covered by the warranty;
- energy efficiency at the beginning of life and at 50 % of lifetime;
- internal resistance of battery cells and battery packs;
- C-rate for the relevant lifetime cycle test (a charge or discharge rate that correlates with the lithiation or delithiation rate of the electrode material);
- marking/labelling requirements;
- EU declaration of conformity;
- information related to the prevention and management of battery waste.
Beyond what is publicly available, there is additional information-for example: detailed composition, dismantling, condition, or safety. This type of data will be accessible only to the European Commission, assessment bodies and market surveillance authorities.
Source: Autocar
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