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Published - 14 November 2025 - 5 min read

Understanding the Scope of the Digital Battery Passport: EV, LMT, and Industrial Batteries

The European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and waste batteries introduces the Digital Battery Passport (DBP) as a key tool to make batteries traceable, transparent and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

This requirement applies especially to Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries, Light Means of Transport (LMT) batteries and large Industrial batteries with capacities above 2 kWh. For many stakeholders, it marks a major shift in how mobility, energy storage and supply chains will evolve in Europe.

These categories represent the largest and most resource-intensive batteries in the market. Their inclusion in the DBP framework is a significant step towards achieving circularity and accountability across Europe’s rapidly growing energy and mobility sectors.


Why These Battery Categories Matter

Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries

EV batteries sit at the heart of Europe’s decarbonisation strategy. However, their production involves intensive use of materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel. Digital Battery Passport records key data, which includes battery composition, carbon footprint, performance metrics and recycling data, so that manufacturers, regulators and recyclers can trace batteries from cradle to grave.


Light Means of Transport (LMT) Batteries

LMT batteries (such as those in e-scooters, e-bikes and mopeds) may be smaller in size, but they represent a fast-growing segment in Europe. Although smaller than EV batteries, they share similar safety and sustainability concerns. The DBP ensures LMT batteries are properly monitored, repaired, or recycled instead of being discarded improperly, helping reduce waste and environmental impact.


Industrial Batteries (> 2 kWh)

Industrial batteries are used across logistics, renewable energy storage, heavy-duty applications, and manufacturing. With their high energy capacity and broad application, they represent a key link in the clean-energy transition. The DBP requirement for large industrial batteries above 2 kWh ensures that sustainability metrics, carbon intensity, and material recovery rates are transparently reported throughout the supply chain.


What does the Digital Battery Passport Contain?

Each Digital Battery Passport will serve as a dynamic digital record, providing structured and verifiable information such as:

  • Manufacturer and production data
  • Battery type, capacity, and chemistry
  • Carbon footprint and material sourcing details
  • Performance and durability metrics
  • Repair, reuse, and recycling instructions
  • End-of-life collection and treatment data


In many cases, the data will be accessible via a QR code on the battery or battery pack, helping regulators, recyclers, and consumers to make informed decisions and ensure that the regulatory, sustainability and circular-economy goals are met.


Driving Transparency Across the Battery Lifecycle

With the DBP embedded across all lifecycle phases, we get a new standard of traceability. Starting from raw material extraction, through production and commissioning, to second-life usage and final recycling, every stage becomes visible. Real-time data on battery usage, degradation and recovery enables circular business models such as leasing, refurbishment and stationary storage repurposing.

This transparency also strengthens supply-chain accountability. Manufacturers can trace materials back to their origin, ensure ethical sourcing, and meet due diligence obligations. Waste-management and recycling operations gain insights into battery condition and composition, enabling safer dismantling and higher recovery yields.


Strengthening Compliance and Consumer Trust

Beyond compliance, the DBP boosts consumer confidence. A visible, transparent record of safety standards, material origin and environmental performance helps buyers trust the products they engage with. For companies, the DBP provides a consistent framework for meeting regulatory requirements while improving operational efficiency and market competitiveness.


BASE Project’s Role in the DBP Ecosystem

At BASE project, we are actively developing the interoperable DBP framework that aligns with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Our work builds on advanced technologies such as blockchain and AI to ensure that lifecycle data, circular-economy metrics (reduce, repair, reuse, recycle) and credible carbon-footprint indicators are embedded across the battery value chain.

By collaborating with manufacturers, recyclers, data providers and regulators, BASE EU ensures that the DBP is not simply a compliance tool but a foundation for transparent, circular business models. Our goal is to help the industry move beyond meeting minimum requirements to leading in sustainability and value regeneration.


Looking Ahead

With the 2027 deadline for DBP implementation approaching, stakeholders across the battery ecosystem, from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to end-of-life service providers, must prepare for it. The DBP’s long-term value lies not just in compliance but in shaping how data transparency, environmental stewardship and industrial innovation converge in the green economy.

The inclusion of EV, LMT and industrial batteries signals a forward-looking regulatory design and sets the foundation for a cleaner, circular energy future. Through our work at BASE EU, we are helping Europe lead the transformation by enabling batteries themselves to become tools of sustainability, not sources of burden.


The BASE project has received funding from the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) Research and Innovation Actions under grant agreement No. 101157200.


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