Kia first manufacturer to test public battery passport at cell level
What exactly is the battery passport?
A battery passport is a digital document that provides insight into the history, chemistry, quality and origin of a battery cell. Kia is now testing this passport at the finest level: per individual cell in the battery. So you will soon be able to find out what materials were used, where they were produced and the cell’s environmental performance.
Why it matters
Transparency about EV batteries is becoming increasingly important. Not only for consumers, but also to meet environmental and recycling standards. With this initiative, Kia wants to lead the way in sustainability. It helps with circular applications, makes maintenance and warranties more transparent as well as supporting the second-hand market and recycling.
How does that battery passport work?
Kia adds unique digital IDs to individual battery cells. Those IDs carry data such as chemistry, manufacturing, useful life and performance. In a public testing platform, stakeholders – from customers to recyclers – can see this data. The pilot is currently running in controlled environments, but Kia aims to scale this up to commercial models. Kia plans to offer this service from February 2027 for all electric and HEV models sold in Europe.
European pilot with Dutch input
Kia’s battery passport project is part of a broader European pilot, in which Dutch parties also play an important role. Contributors include the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and industry associations from the battery and recycling sector. Their knowledge should help set standards for future European regulations. Within this project, the Netherlands is considered a testing ground for transparent data sharing around battery production and recycling.
First field test in the Kia EV3
Kia is conducting the first public tests with the battery passport in the Kia EV3. This involves digital tracking of individual battery cells during production, use and charging cycles. In this way, Kia is collecting real-time data on battery performance, durability and degradation. The results of this EV3 pilot form the basis for further rollout to other electric models within the brand.
What does this mean to you?
Suppose you buy a used EV. Thanks to the battery passport, you can check whether the battery is healthy, which cells have participated and whether they have been maintained correctly. This reduces the risk of hidden defects and thus boosts confidence in electric driving.