Kia is moving ahead of global competitors by launching a real-world pilot of “battery passports” in Europe – becoming the first automaker to implement the EU’s upcoming battery regulation at the cell level. The move signals South Korea’s push to secure an edge in the European EV market ahead of the EU’s 2027 mandate.
The company equipped its exported EV3 models with cell-monitoring systems developed by UK-based Dukosi and began testing in Germany. Unlike other automakers, Kia’s pilot tracks the health of each individual battery cell in real time, uploading the data to a digital “passport.” Regulators, mechanics, and car owners can scan a QR code to access information on performance, sourcing, recycling rates, and service history – all key metrics that will soon be required under EU law.
Starting in February 2027, the EU will mandate battery passports for all EVs and hybrids sold in the region. Kia aims to roll out the system across its European lineup before then, giving customers the ability to monitor battery cells directly, replace individual units, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and boost resale value through transparent battery data.
The company has also set up a dedicated internal team to develop its own passport service in collaboration with partners across the battery value chain. Beyond EU compliance, Kia plans to integrate additional safety and operational data to build a more advanced platform.
The pilot reflects broader cooperation between Korean industry and European institutions. Technical support for the test runs came from TU Delft in Germany, while Hyundai Mobis and other Hyundai Motor Group affiliates helped secure the data transmission infrastructure. All test data is stored and managed through TNO’s secure cloud in the Netherlands.
The battery passport concept, first proposed by the World Economic Forum in 2020, has since attracted major global players including CATL, Volvo, Nissan, and Tesla. For Kia, taking the lead in implementing the regulation underscores South Korea’s growing role not just as a battery supplier, but as a regulatory and technological trendsetter in the EV industry.
