The Department of Consumer Affairs has announced that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards to improve the safety and quality of electric vehicles in the country.
The two new standards – IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024 – aims to improve the safety of electric vehicles in the L, M, and N categories, according to the department. From construction to functionality, the two new standards covers severals aspects in order to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
This comes amid concerns about multiple fire accidents involving electric vehicles reported across the country.
The new standards stipulate stringent safety requirements on the EV powertrain, a critical component of electric vehicles. They also call for the safety and performance of batteries, ensuring they are "both powerful and secure", according to the statement.
Pointing out that the shift to electric mobility extends beyond cars and trucks as E-rickshaws and E-Karts are gaining popularity across the country, the consumer affairs department said, "To address this, BIS has introduced IS 18294: 2023, which establishes safety standards specifically for these vehicles."
"With these new standards, BIS has raised the bar, now having a total of 30 Indian Standards dedicated to electric vehicles and their accessories, including charging systems," stated the department's official statement.
