Kia launches first public trial of cell-level battery passport

Kia has begun public testing of battery passport technology which it says will boost battery life, repairability and resale value for customers.

The new cell-level system is being tested ahead of EU regulations coming into force, which require supply chain traceability and carbon footprint information as well as basic performance and durability data.

The Kia battery passport system, being tested on a unique EV3, goes further in offering in-depth live data on the battery’s health on a cell-by-cell level.

The South Korean brand says the system is in its early stages of testing but could bring real-world benefits to drivers by giving up-to-date and incredibly accurate information about the battery’s state of health (SoH).

The trial Kia EV3 is fitted with a Dukosi battery cell monitoring system capable of transmitting live data for each cell of the battery pack and uploading it to its digital battery passport.

Once the data is uploaded, users, mechanics, and regulators can access real-time information on the battery’s SoH through the car’s infotainment system. To ensure accuracy and traceability throughout the battery’s lifecycle, the system automatically updates after any repair work.

For owners the system could help battery longevity by identifying any potential problems earlier. The cellular nature of the information also means that repairs can be more precise, fixing individual cells rather than replacing entire modules, saving time and money. There are also potential resale benefits by providing an up-to-date and accurate picture of the battery’s state of health for prospective buyers.

“Kia aims to set a new standard for customers regarding battery transparency and performance,” said Marc Hedrich, president and CEO at Kia Europe. “Through testing cell-level battery passports, we gain insights on what ownership benefits we can offer our customers. On top of advantages such as extended battery life, we will be building on a relationship of trust as well.”

Volvo launched the world’s first EV battery passport in 2024 with the EX90. This included SoH information for the pack along with information on the origins of the materials and production carbon footprint. However, the Kia system goes further by recording SoH at a cellular level rather than for the larger modules or overall pack.