New BIS Standards for Electric Vehicles

New BIS Standards for Electric Vehicles

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently launched two standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, targeting the safety and quality enhancement of electric vehicles (EVs) in India.

• These standards are aimed at critical EV components such as powertrains and batteries across various EV categories.

Relevance:

GS-3 (Economy)

IS 18590: 2024

• Focus: Safety standards for EV categories L, M, and N. L refers to two-wheelers, M refers to four-wheelers and the N category refers to goods trucks, respectively.
• Key Areas: Emphasizes powertrain safety and performance.
• Objective: Ensure EVs adhere to stringent safety criteria, enhancing reliability and user safety.

IS 18606: 2024

• Objective: Sets safety and performance standards for EV batteries.
• Importance: Ensures batteries are secure, powerful, and meet performance benchmarks.
• Focus: Covers critical aspects of battery safety and performance in EVs.

IS 18294: 2023 (E-rickshaws and E-Karts)

• Purpose: Establishes safety standards for E-rickshaws and E-Karts.
• Coverage: Includes construction, functionality, and operational safety.
• Significance: Ensures the safety of drivers and passengers in these popular EVs.

Significance:

• Enhanced Safety: These standards improve the safety of EV operations.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures EV components meet high-quality benchmarks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to regulatory requirements in the EV sector.
• Industry Development: Supports industry growth by standardizing manufacturing processes and enhancing consumer confidence.
• Environmental Benefits: Promotes the transition to sustainable and cleaner transportation options.

Way forward:

The introduction of IS 18590: 2024, IS 18606: 2024, and IS 18294: 2023 highlights BIS’s commitment to promoting safe and high-quality EVs in India. With a total of 30 standards dedicated to EVs and related accessories, including charging systems, BIS aims to foster a robust ecosystem that prioritizes safety, performance, and environmental sustainability.