Think your EV is green just because it's electric? What about when its battery retires? 🚗🔋 From April 1, 2026, mainland China will tag every new energy vehicle (NEV) power battery with a unique digital ID, kicking off a smarter recycling era.
The interim measures, rolled out by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and five other departments, set up a full-channel, full-chain, full-lifecycle framework. A national traceability platform will let makers, recyclers, and regulators map a battery's journey with precision. 🔍
It's a timely move. In 2025, mainland China produced and sold over 16 million NEVs – more than half of all new cars on the road. With so many batteries hitting end-of-life, retired units are piling up fast. Experts project over 1 million tonnes of used batteries by 2030. 📈
To tackle this e-waste surge, a three-year special campaign launched in June 2025 aims to curb illegal dumping of scrap vehicles, electronics, and EV batteries. The new digital IDs will strengthen this crackdown, making sure old batteries get proper treatment instead of ending up in landfills. 🛠️♻️
For young drivers from Mumbai to Manila, where EV adoption is accelerating, this blueprint could light the way toward cleaner streets and a greener future. 🌱✨
Reference(s):
China to strengthen recycling management of used NEV power batteries
cgtn.com
