Maharashtra launches battery passports to improve EV resale value and transparency
In a move aimed at addressing concerns around electric vehicle resale value and battery longevity, the Maharashtra government has introduced a digital battery passport initiative as part of its latest EV policy. This policy, released on 23rd May 2025, marks a significant development in India’s push towards electrified mobility and positions Maharashtra as a pioneer in consumer transparency for EV ownership.
The digital battery passport will serve as a standardised document tracking crucial data about an EV battery, including its manufacturing details, health status, usage history and diagnostics at the end of its lifecycle. Batteries are central to EV performance and account for more than half of the vehicle’s total value, making their condition a key determinant in resale pricing and buyer confidence.
Currently, EV buyers largely depend on the seller’s word regarding battery health, with no standard verification system in place. The new passport aims to bridge this gap by offering verified, real-time data accessible to buyers, resellers, insurers and service providers. While the exact mechanisms of issuance and the roles of manufacturers and dealerships remain to be clarified, the state government has committed to rolling out the initiative in phases.
Industry experts believe the passport could become a game-changer. Nikhil Dhaka, a policy expert at Primus Partner, notes that similar pilots in Europe have improved trust and pricing transparency in the used EV market. Customers could potentially access battery details through QR codes, ensuring informed decisions during resale or evaluation.
From an insurance standpoint, the passport may enable more accurate assessments and fairer premium pricing. According to Sandeep Dadia, CEO of Lockton India, battery data helps insurers understand usage patterns and risks better, fostering confidence among all stakeholders—from customers to OEMs.
The resale value of EVs has been a known challenge. Reports from used car platforms like Spinny and Cars24 show that EVs depreciate faster than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. While ICE vehicles often retain over 50% of their original value after three to five years, EVs lag behind by an average of 3%, a figure that can worsen with age.
Maharashtra is India’s second-largest EV market, with nearly 2.42 lakh EVs sold in 2024, trailing only Uttar Pradesh. As EV adoption continues to grow—the nationwide market recorded a 27% jump in sales last year—the introduction of battery passports could play a pivotal role in shaping a more transparent and sustainable ecosystem.
Globally, the use of such passports is still nascent but the European Union has mandated their use for all EV batteries over 2kWh from February 2027. Maharashtra’s early adoption may offer valuable insights for other states and countries looking to support their EV markets through consumer assurance and regulatory innovation.
