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.