India Enhances EV Standards and Infrastructure, signalling a transformative shift in the nation’s electric vehicle landscape. From stringent battery safety protocols to ambitious infrastructure projects, the government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to make EV adoption seamless and reliable. With initiatives like the FAME-II Scheme allocating Rs.912.50 crore for public charging stations and Rs.2,000 crore under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme to boost nationwide charging networks, India is not just catching up—it’s aiming to lead. Curious about how these steps are shaping the future of mobility and what it means for EV users and manufacturers? Read on.
Strengthening EV Battery Standards
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has updated and established EV battery standards to ensure safety and reliability:
- Amendments to AIS-156 and AIS-038 now cover different EV categories.
- Updated standards, effective since December 2022, outline technical requirements for traction batteries.
- EV prototypes undergo rigorous testing for:
- Over-charge and discharge protection
- Over-current and short-circuit protection
- Over-temperature protection
- Voltage cut-off mechanisms
- Functionality of Battery Management Systems (BMS)
Safety Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set key safety benchmarks:
- IS 18237:2023 – Safety of primary and secondary lithium cells and batteries during transport.
- IS 16893 (Part 2 & 3):2018 – Reliability, abuse testing, and safety requirements for secondary lithium-ion cells in EVs.
- IS 16805:2018 – Safety standards for secondary lithium cells and batteries with non-acid electrolytes for industrial use.
- IS 16046 (Part 2):2018 – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells and batteries.
Investing in EV Infrastructure
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is promoting indigenous development of EV subsystems through the EV Sub-Systems (EVSS) programme, which includes:
- Motors, controllers, converters, chargers, and Battery Management Systems
- Research and development for advanced EV charging solutions
Financial initiatives supporting infrastructure include:
- FAME-II Scheme: Rs.912.50 crore for public EV charging stations nationwide
- PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Rs.2,000 crore to strengthen EV charging infrastructure
Accelerating the Charging Ecosystem
The Ministry of Power is focused on creating a connected and interoperable EV charging network:
- Updated guidelines are expected by January 2025
- Currently, India has 29,151 EV charging stations, including 12,033 fast chargers (data from BHEL)
Boosting Domestic Manufacturing
To support EV adoption and reduce dependency on imports:
- The PLI Scheme under the Ministry of Heavy Industries has allocated Rs.18,100 crore
- Goal: Establish a domestic Advanced Chemistry Cells manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh over the next seven years
Conclusion
India’s coordinated efforts in EV standards, infrastructure development, and domestic manufacturing signal a robust roadmap for future growth. By ensuring battery safety, expanding the charging network, and promoting indigenous production, the country is set to accelerate EV adoption and emerge as a global leader in sustainable mobility.
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