08:29 15-10-2025

EU’s 2027 EV battery passport explained, plus Kia’s pilot

The European Union has decided to introduce mandatory labeling for all electric-car batteries with more than two kilowatts of power using a dedicated passport, starting in February 2027. The measure is designed to raise transparency and make it easier to manage the batteries that underpin today’s vehicles.

From that date, every EV battery in the EU will be accompanied by special documentation detailing its origin, the chemical composition of its components, its current state of health, and how it should be recycled at the end of its service life. It’s a pragmatic step for an industry where confidence in the energy source is everything.

Meanwhile, Kia has begun a pilot project that uses a digital battery passport on its Kia EV3 prototype. The new system enables cell-by-cell oversight of the battery pack, allowing precise monitoring of any deviations from the norm and early detection of potential issues. As a result, maintenance costs can be significantly reduced, with diagnostics and repairs becoming more efficient—exactly the sort of practical gain that matters in daily use.

Digital identification also lets drivers keep an eye on their battery’s condition right on the car’s infotainment screen. That builds owner confidence and supports a healthier used EV market, since prospective buyers get access to a detailed use history and a clear view of the battery’s condition before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. In practice, transparent battery data is often what turns interest into a decisive yes.