FPT, the leading multinational provider of low environmental impact drive solutions including batteries for electric light commercial vehicles, buses and minibuses, partnered with Knobs, a Milan-based software house and tech advisory firm specialised in blockchain and Web3 technologies. Together, they launched a pilot project aimed at applying blockchain to battery production, enabling the creation of a certified digital passport for each battery manufactured by FPT.
The collaboration focused on integrating blockchain into the battery lifecycle to ensure secure, tamper-proof tracking of key data related to all production steps. The digital passport records essential information such as origin, composition, performance and usage history, making it accessible to stakeholders across the value chain. This solution supports compliance with emerging European regulations and strengthens transparency in the electric mobility ecosystem.
Founded in Milan as a spin-off of Politecnico di Milano, Knobs has been pioneering blockchain innovation in Italy since 2014. The company develops custom digital solutions for industrial and manufacturing leaders, helping them integrate emerging technologies into their operations. With a strong focus on security, scalability, and strategic impact, Knobs enables businesses to turn technological complexity into measurable results.
FPT adopted an open innovation approach to evaluate the benefits and potential applications of blockchain technology to its batteries. As part of its effort to enhance its product quality and sustainability, the company launched this pilot project in collaboration with Knobs to explore a technology transfer opportunity. Indeed, the project led to the development of a blockchain-enabled 'battery passport', which could now be applied to all FPT battery packs. This digital solution allows secure, real-time tracking of battery data throughout its lifecycle (from production to usage) ensuring instant traceability, greater data security, and full transparency. The initiative represents a strategic step toward integrating advanced digital technologies into industrial processes and building a more sustainable and transparent supply chain for electric mobility.
“This project demonstrates how blockchain can bring real value to industrial processes, especially in areas like traceability and compliance,” said Paola Franceschina, FPT Digital Innovation Project Manager. “Collaborating with Knobs allowed us to experiment with emerging technologies in a way that’s both strategic and practical.”
“Working with FPT gave us the opportunity to apply our blockchain expertise to a high-impact industrial use case,” said Silvio Saia, Head of Sales at Knobs. “We believe that digital product passports will play a key role in the future of sustainable manufacturing.”
After successfully completing the pilot, the two companies are now set to scale and strengthen the final project, aligned with upcoming Battery Regulation improvements expected by 2027.
