Electric vehicles (EVs), Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles Scheme-II (FAME-II), Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for automobile, automotive components and Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC), and Lithium-ion batteries are moving into national focus. This is due to the proposed testing of EVs in India starting April 1, 2023.
These tests aim to establish consistent safety standards for EVs after rising concerns related to fires in electric two-wheelers and four-wheelers. This progressive step underlines India’s commitment to the global goal of achieving Net Zero Emission and mirrors the country’s accelerating adoption and manufacturing of EVs.
Key Points About EV Testing
The current scenario in India lacks centralized testing facilities for EVs leading manufacturers to set their own benchmarks. However, a significant move towards standardization was made in June 2022 when the Bureau of Indian Standards issued norms for lithium-ion battery packs and traction systems based on broader ISO standards.
Now, the task of obtaining the infrastructure needed for testing battery-powered vehicles has been granted to the Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The Ministry of Heavy Industries allocated Rs 44 crore to ARAI to setup necessary infrastructure for the testing, certification, and development of electric and hybrid vehicles.
This push towards EV testing aligns with India’s intensified focus on reducing its crude import bill through alternative forms of fuel. The government targets to make all new car sales in India fully electric by 2030. A unified standard would enhance product reliability, performance, and safety, ensuring that only committed manufacturers enter production.
Global Standards and Indian Alignment
Globally, there is no single EV standard. Different countries promote diverse norms in four key areas: safety, charging connectors, charging topology and charging-related communications. India is set to follow a similar philosophy for its testing standards — ongoing updates as technology evolves.
About Electric Vehicles
An EV operates on an electric motor, replacing an internal combustion engine, and possesses a battery in place of a fuel tank. EVs are cost-effective with low running costs due to reduced moving parts, and they are environmentally friendly. In India, the operational cost for an EV stands at approximately 80 paisa per kilometer.
Current Scenario of EVs in India
India’s push for EVs is driven by the global climate agenda of the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. As of June 2022, India had over 1.3 million electric vehicles, with three-wheelers accounting for half. The rest are largely two-wheelers, with a small number of four-wheelers.
Support for EVs comes from localisation of their manufacturing through FAME-II, PLI schemes for manufacturers, and developing local supply chains for critical EV components. Public land usage has been revised to include a revenue-sharing model for charging infrastructure. To encourage purchase, the government provides tax exemptions, subsidies and interest subvention schemes.
In April 2022, the NITI Aayog released the draft battery swapping policy for EVs in the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways recently extended amendments to EV battery testing standards to a staggered two-phased implementation.
Recent Issues with EVs
While there have been increased instances of EVs catching fire, disruptions in supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the US-China trade war have made sourcing critical EV components difficult and expensive. Moreover, the semiconductor shortage has still not been completely resolved, posing potential challenges to India’s emerging EV industry.
Way Forward
To ensure EV safety and standardisation, uniform guidelines and inspection systems need to be applied at every step of the EV lifecycle from concept to production and end-of-life of the battery. With battery being the most crucial component of an EV, uniform production standards should be implemented. Self-regulation should also be promoted among battery manufacturers until these standards are in place.
This examination of India’s evolving stance on EVs gives crucial insights into the country’s commitment towards a sustainable future. It further highlights the need for more stringent regulations and planning to overcome challenges and move towards efficient and affordable urban mass transport.
