Revolutionising Electric Mobility: India's Pioneering Charging Standard For Light Electric Vehicles Gets The Green Light
In a ground breaking move, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved a pioneering AC and DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs) named IS17017 (Part 2/Sec 7): 2023. This marks the world”s first-ever combined AC and DC charging connector standard specifically designed for LEVs, originating in India and poised to set a global benchmark for the industry.
The new standard, known as IS17017, carries significant implications for the entire electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, benefitting vehicle owners, manufacturers, and charging point operators alike. Notably, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now have the option to diversify from international standards, signalling a shift that could have widespread ramifications.
There is an enthusiasm about this milestone, emphasising its impact on a substantial portion of the vehicle market. Since more than 75 per cent of new vehicles sold in India are either two- or three-wheelers, there is a standard that impacts the biggest chunk of the vehicle market. The development of this standard was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, ARAI, EV manufacturers, and the Bureau of Indian Standards. The primary objective was to establish a national standard that fosters an open ecosystem, accelerating EV adoption globally.
The approved standard addresses a crucial gap in the market by providing a standardised connector for an AC and DC combined charging system for light electric vehicles, encompassing two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and microcars. This innovation ensures the emergence of a hybrid, cost-efficient infrastructure for all forms of charging, catering to the diverse needs of light electric vehicles.
There is an EV charging standard for India with the potential to be implemented worldwide. This milestone has the potential to be the turning point that propels India into an exclusive group of countries globally, distinguished as technology-based solution providers in the electric vehicle (EV) and automobile sector—an achievement only a select few nations can claim.
This pioneering initiative not only addresses current market gaps but also propels India into a leadership position, showcasing its capability to drive innovation in the rapidly evolving electric mobility landscape.
The approval of the AC and DC combined charging connector standard, IS17017, by the Bureau of Indian Standards represents a significant leap forward for India in the realm of electric mobility. This ground breaking move, hailed as the world”s first such standard for light electric vehicles, not only fills a crucial market gap but also positions India as a global leader in driving innovation within the electric vehicle sector. The collaborative effort involving key stakeholders underscores the commitment to establishing a robust and open ecosystem for electric vehicles. As more than 75 percent of new vehicles in India belong to the two- or three-wheeler category, this standard has a profound impact on a substantial portion of the market, signalling a transformative shift.
