BIS Unveils New Safety and Quality Standards for Electric Vehicles: Key Highlights
In recent years, the safety and quality of electric vehicles (EVs) in India have come under intense scrutiny, particularly due to a surge in demand and a corresponding increase in incidents involving electric two-wheelers. To address these concerns, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards aimed at improving the safety and quality of EVs.
New BIS EV Standards
The new standards apply to three categories of vehicles: two-wheelers (L), four-wheelers (M), and goods trucks (N). BIS has mandated that all EVs in these categories must meet stringent safety requirements to ensure the safety and performance of batteries and other essential components.
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Recognising the growing popularity of E-rickshaws and E-Karts, BIS has also introduced IS 18294: 2023. This standard specifically addresses the safety of E-rickshaws and E-Karts, ensuring they meet comprehensive safety and performance criteria. This expansion is part of BIS’s broader effort to establish a total of 30 standards dedicated to EVs and their accessories, including charging systems.
ARAI Crash Tests and Government Amendments
In response to several incidents of fires involving electric scooters, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted the world’s first electric two-wheeler crash test. This test aimed to evaluate the safety of electric scooters and address the growing concerns about their reliability and safety.
Additionally, in the Year 2022, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued amendments to the EV battery testing standards. The new AIS-156 standards for two- and three-wheelers and AIS-038 (Revision 2) for four-wheelers were introduced under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). These standards are crucial for vehicle manufacturing, ensuring that EV batteries and components meet rigorous safety and performance criteria.
Focus on Battery Safety and Performance
The BIS standards emphasize the importance of battery safety and performance, ensuring that batteries used in EVs are not only powerful but also secure. This move is in response to the rapid expansion of the EV market in India and the increasing number of incidents related to sub-standard EV components.
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The new BIS standards cover various aspects of EV construction and functionality, aiming to enhance the overall safety of drivers and passengers. With the introduction of these standards, BIS aims to curb the development and launch of sub-standard EVs and components, thereby reducing potential hazards associated with electric vehicles.
The introduction of these new BIS standards marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and quality of electric vehicles in India. By setting stringent safety requirements for EVs and their components, BIS aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the EV market and provide a safer, more reliable experience for consumers.
