Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) made an exciting advancement in the field of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). They have approved a new charging connector standard that will revolutionize the way we charge LEVs like scooters, bikes and rickshaws. This standard is proudly named ISI7017 (Part 2/Sec 7): 2023.
About India’s New EV Charging Standard
The invention of this new EV charging standard was a collective effort between NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, a private firm called Ather Energy, and many other stakeholders. Together, their hard work and dedication to sustainable energy has paid off with the introduction of this exciting new standard.
Unique Features of India’s New EV Charging Standard
What sets this standard apart is its ability to combine alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging for LEVs. By adopting globally established standards for electric cars, it enhances the interoperability and compatibility among different EV models and charging infrastructure providers.
Consequences of Having Multiple Charging Standards
Unfortunately, unlike some other countries, India’s EV manufacturers aren’t obligated to follow a specific charging standard. The result? Each company can develop their own charging standards, much like Apple and Android smartphones. For instance, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive all offer distinctive charging standards for their EVs.
Charging Standards Around the Globe
Across the planet, countries are approaching EV charging in different ways. China uses a national standard known as GB/T to address range anxiety. In the United States, the lack of a national standard has led companies like Ford and General Motors to work together on setting common standards. Over in Europe, uniformity is promoted with the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, whereas in Japan the CHAdeMO standard is being phased out for more common ones.
Government Initiatives to Promote EV Adoption
The government, recognizing the importance of EVs, has initiated various schemes to promote their adoption. These include the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme II, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), and the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Other initiatives include the Vehicle Scrappage Policy, Go Electric campaign, and the Global EV30@30 campaign.
New Guidelines for Charging Infrastructure
The Ministry of Power, in its revised guidelines on charging infrastructure, has stated that there should be at least one charging station in every 3 km grid and along every 25 kms of highway. Moreover, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has amended the Model Building Bye-laws, 2016 (MBBL) to mandate dedicating 20% of parking space for EV charging facilities in residential and commercial buildings.
While this article provides a broad overview of the recent advancements in EV charging standards in India and around the globe, it’s important to remember that these technologies are constantly evolving. It’s an exciting time for the industry as we move towards more sustainable forms of transport, and it will be fascinating to see how these advancements transform the way we travel in the years to come.
