India’s EV Sector: BIS Rolls Out New Standards For Enhanced Safety And Performance Across EV Categories

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced new safety standards aimed at enhancing the safety and performance of electric vehicles (EVs) across different categories.

These categories include two-wheelers (L), four-wheelers (M), and goods trucks (N).

These standards address various aspects from construction to functionality, ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers alike.

Named IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024 — these standards specifically focus on critical components of electric cars, buses, and trucks, particularly the powertrain (which includes components like the motor and transmission), reports Economic Times.

These rules bring the total number of local standards for EVs and their components, including charging systems, to 30.

Beyond conventional vehicles, the transition to electric mobility in India also includes E-rickshaws and E-Karts, which have also increased in recent years.

To address safety concerns, BIS introduced IS 18294: 2023, setting specific safety requirements for E-rickshaws and E-Karts covering construction and operations.

BIS, as India's National Standards Body under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, aims to ensure the safety of electric vehicles through these updated standards.

These regulations are crucial for advancing India towards a more sustainable, and efficient transportation ecosystem.

As the electric vehicle sector expands in India, the government is proactively developing a standardised charging protocol.

This will address concerns voiced by key industry stakeholders regarding the inconsistent charging infrastructure.