Imagine a future where every new energy vehicle's power battery carries a unique digital identity, tracking its complete lifecycle from production to disposal. This vision will become reality when China's new battery recycling regulations take effect on April 1, 2026, marking a significant step toward standardized management in the electric vehicle industry.
I. Policy Core: Full Lifecycle Oversight
The newly announced "Management Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles" establishes a comprehensive monitoring system covering production, sales, maintenance, replacement, dismantling, recycling, and reuse. This end-to-end regulatory approach aims to ensure traceability while preventing illegal dismantling and environmental contamination.
II. "Vehicle-Battery Integrated Scrapping" Policy
A key provision mandates that electric vehicles must be scrapped with their original batteries intact. Vehicles missing batteries during disposal will be considered incomplete, effectively preventing battery diversion into black markets. This measure directly targets unauthorized battery dismantling and resale operations.
III. Digital ID System: Complete Traceability
The regulation introduces an innovative digital identification system assigning unique codes to each battery. These digital "passports" will record manufacturing, installation, maintenance, replacement, and recycling data through a national tracking platform. The system enables regulators to monitor battery movement while providing consumers with transparent battery history information.
IV. Enforcement Mechanisms
The policy establishes concrete penalties for non-compliance, including warnings, corrective orders, and fines for violations such as failing to properly recycle batteries or submit required documentation. Clear enforcement responsibilities ensure the measures will be implemented as designed, supporting China's broader initiative to build a standardized battery recycling ecosystem.
V. Addressing the Coming Battery Retirement Wave
The timing reflects urgent industry needs, with China's 2025 new energy vehicle sales exceeding 16 million units (over 50% market share). Projections indicate annual retired battery volumes will surpass 1 million metric tons by 2030. Without proper handling, this volume poses significant environmental risks, making the recycling system essential for both ecological protection and sustainable industry growth.
VI. Implementation Roadmap
Authorities plan coordinated efforts to operationalize the policy, including public education campaigns, recycling network development, and technological upgrades. The measures represent a foundational step toward establishing China's circular economy for electric vehicle batteries, combining regulatory oversight with industry participation to create an environmentally sound and economically viable solution.