Volvo Cars Launches World’s First EV Battery Passport
Introduction:
Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Geely, is breaking new ground in the automotive industry by launching the world’s first EV battery passport for its flagship EX90 SUV. This passport will track the origins of raw materials, components, recycled content, and carbon footprint, setting new standards for transparency and sustainability in the electric vehicle market. The launch of this groundbreaking initiative comes as Volvo aims to produce only fully-electric cars by 2030.
The EV battery passport was developed by Volvo in collaboration with UK startup Circulor, which specializes in using blockchain technology to map supply chains for companies. This innovative passport has been in development for over five years and will provide crucial information on the composition of batteries, including the origins of key materials, carbon footprint, and recycled content.
Battery passports are set to become mandatory for electric vehicles sold in the European Union from February 2027. By introducing the passport nearly three years before these regulations come into effect, Volvo is demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability in the EV market. This move aligns with the company’s goal of being a leader in sustainability and innovation.
The EX90 SUV with the battery passport is slated to begin production at Volvo’s plant in Charleston, South Carolina. Customers in Europe and North America can expect to receive these vehicles from the second half of the year. Volvo owners will be able to access a simplified version of the passport using a QR code located on the inside of the driver’s door. The company plans to gradually roll out the passport to all its EV models.
Circulor’s system tracks battery materials from the mine to individual cars, ensuring transparency and accountability across the supply chain. Suppliers’ production systems are utilized to monitor materials throughout the supply chain, with a focus on verifying the origin of materials and calculating the total carbon footprint. This comprehensive tracking system will provide valuable insights into the environmental impact of EV production.
As Volvo leads the way with the introduction of the EV battery passport, other automakers are expected to follow suit. There is a growing interest in implementing similar tracking systems in the United States, where automakers may need to demonstrate compliance with EV subsidies. The partnership between Volvo, Circulor, and other key industry players highlights a collective effort to drive sustainability and transparency in the automotive sector.
In conclusion, Volvo’s launch of the world’s first EV battery passport marks a significant milestone in the transition towards sustainable mobility. By setting new standards for transparency and accountability in the EV market, Volvo is paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between automakers, technology providers, and regulators to drive positive change in the automotive industry.