Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently approved a groundbreaking charging connector standard for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), including scooters, bikes, and rickshaws.
India’s New EV Charging Standard
Named ISI7017 (Part 2/Sec 7): 2023, this standard is a result of collaboration among NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, Ather Energy (a private firm), and other stakeholders.
Unique Features of India’s New EV Charging Standard
- Remarkable feature of India’s new EV charging standard is its ability to combine alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging for LEVs.
- This approach, akin to globally established standards for electric cars, enhances interoperability and compatibility among various EV models and charging infrastructure providers.
Consequences of Diverse Charging Standards
- India’s EV manufacturers, unlike those in some other countries, are not obligated to adhere to a specific charging standard. This results in different charging standards for EVs from different companies, paralleling the past situation of Apple and Android smartphones.
- For example, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive all employ distinct charging standards for their EVs.
Different Charging Standards Worldwide
China
- China uses a national standard for EV charging connectors that is called GB/T, effectively addressing range anxiety with a dense network of charging stations.
United States
- While there isn’t a national standard, collaboration between EV manufacturers like Ford and General Motors aims to establish common standards.
Europe
- The Combined Charging System (CCS) standard dominates in Europe, backed by the European Union, promoting uniformity.
Japan
- Japan employs the CHAdeMO standard, though it’s being phased out in North America in favor of more common standards.