Honda partners with Circularise to build digital battery passport system ahead of EU’s 2027 deadline

Honda Motor Europe has joined forces with Dutch traceability platform Circularise to develop a digital battery passport system in anticipation of the European Union’s new Battery Regulation, which comes into effect on 18 February 2027. This regulation will mandate that certain batteries sold within the EU carry a digital passport, providing detailed information about their lifecycle and sustainability credentials. The collaboration aims to ensure compliance with these requirements by creating a robust infrastructure for managing battery data across complex supply chains. The partnership focuses on the operational aspects of battery passport compliance, particularly how to structure, govern, and disclose data without compromising commercially sensitive information. The system being developed will enable authorised stakeholders—including regulators, recyclers, fleet operators, and second-life processors—to access necessary data while maintaining strict control over who can see what information. This approach addresses the technical challenge of verifying data from multiple supplier tiers and ensuring that the resulting documentation is audit-ready rather than a mere formality. Jordi de Vos, Founder of Circularise, emphasised the importance of sharing the right data with the right parties at the right time, highlighting that the value of battery passports depends on balancing transparency with confidentiality. Richard Knowles, Deputy General Manager of Certification & Regulatory Affairs at Honda Motor Europe, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration is helping to shape a framework that supports trust, usability, and scalability for future battery data management. Their joint efforts reflect a broader industry push towards greater supply chain transparency and sustainability in electric vehicle battery production. Looking ahead, the development of this digital battery passport system represents a significant step towards meeting EU regulatory demands and fostering a circular economy for batteries. By enabling secure and verifiable data exchange, the initiative could streamline compliance processes and enhance recycling and second-life applications. As the 2027 deadline approaches, Honda and Circularise’s work may serve as a model for other manufacturers and stakeholders navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.