Project Overview

The transition to electric mobility in ASEAN is gathering strong momentum, yet major structural and governance gaps, along with infrastructure challenges, remain in managing the EV battery lifecycle. Structural and governance gaps concern policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks, while infrastructure challenges concern physical systems such as charging networks, recycling facilities, and logistics. This is particularly important because, under the ASEAN Declaration on Electric Vehicle Ecosystem Development adopted in 2023, the region has committed to accelerating the development of a regional EV ecosystem. As the global regulatory environment tightens — for instance, with the EU mandating a Battery Passport under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 by 2027 — there is a risk of ASEAN lagging behind unless member states advance with a harmonised approach and data-driven mechanisms to ensure battery traceability, safety, and environmental integrity.

This study develops an initial framework for an ASEAN-wide EV Battery Passport, thereby supporting the region's transition to sustainable mobility and circular economy practices. The study also aims to understand the current policy landscape on EV batteries within the ten AMS and assess their readiness level for EV battery passport implementation.

Despite diversity in battery traceability and lifecycle management, several shared drivers and priorities are clearly emerging across ASEAN. EV battery passports are widely understood as a tool to maintain market access, a mechanism to attract and retain investment in responsible supply chains, and a means to achieve circular economy goals. By drawing on these insights, the study will provide evidence-based recommendations to guide ASEAN in establishing a harmonised and practical battery passport system, aligned with international best practices while addressing regional needs and capabilities.