The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently approved an indigenous combined AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging connector standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs) like scooters, bikes, and rickshaws. This charging standard, ISI7017 (Part 2 / Section 7): 2023, has been developed in collaboration with various government agencies, NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, Aether Energy (an electric two-wheeler manufacturer), and other industry stakeholders.
What Makes This New Standard Special?
This indigenously developed charging standard is unique because it combines both AC and DC charging for LEVs. While combined AC and DC charging standards for 4-wheel electric vehicles exist globally, this new standard is the first of its kind specifically designed for 2-wheelers.
Why Is a National Standard Necessary?
In India, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are not bound by a specific standard for charging connectors. As a result, different EV makers like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive use different charging standards for their electric vehicles. This lack of standardization is similar to the situation where Apple used the Lightning port, and Android devices used USB Type-C before reaching a degree of standardization.
The absence of a universal standard creates challenges for public charging stations, leading to range anxiety – the fear that an EV might run out of charge with no suitable charging infrastructure available.
The recently approved combined charging standard for AC and DC charging aims to solve the problem of having different standards for AC and DC charging by introducing a unified standard. However, it does not mandate EV makers to adopt a uniform standard, which could be instrumental in alleviating range anxiety and accelerating EV adoption.
Global Context
- China: China, the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has a national standard known as GB/T for EV charging connectors. This standard, combined with an extensive charging station network, has been successful in addressing range concerns.
- United States: There is no national standard for EV charging connectors in the US, but there are efforts to promote some level of standardization. For instance, Ford and General Motors are adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), originally developed by Tesla, to allow their EVs to access Tesla’s network of fast chargers across North America.
This new Made-in-India EV charging standard is a crucial step toward standardizing charging infrastructure for 2-wheel electric vehicles, addressing range concerns, and supporting the broader adoption of EVs in the country.
