This country has transitioned to a strict digital battery monitoring system starting April 1, 2026, which represents a national platform for tracking the lifecycle of new energy vehicle (NEV) batteries. Developed under the guidance of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the system underwent a three-month testing period and is now mandatory for all manufacturers. Each traction battery is assigned a unique digital identifier, a kind of passport that follows it from production to recycling.
The platform integrates data across the entire supply chain. Battery manufacturers, automobile factories, importers, service centers, and even operators of battery swap stations are required to input information in real time. The system records every key event: production, vehicle sales, maintenance, battery replacement, and ultimately its disposal.
This approach creates a closed-loop mechanism. The state can see at any time where a specific battery unit is located and who is responsible for it. This helps prevent used components from ending up in unregulated recycling channels, which often results in environmental pollution and fire risks due to improper handling.
The launch of the platform is part of a broader strategy. Starting this year, China requires reporting on the carbon footprint of batteries, including data on emissions during raw material extraction, component manufacturing, and logistics. The centralized system enables authorities to analyze organizational responsibility and detect anomalies in component circulation.
Technical support and system operation are provided by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC). At a presentation in Tianjin, it was noted that over 500 organizations are already connected to the system, including international institutions and industry associations.