All vehicles on the road experience detonation mechanically and electronically over the time. At times, we as daily drivers are not able to identify a particular fault as we are accustomed to that fault being ignored daily. Fitness tests are conducted for the same purpose as they help to determine the extent of safety offered by a vehicle post a particular stage. Therefore, regular inspections in terms of fitness tests are conducted, and recently, new Fitness Test Norms have been drafted for Electric Vehicles. Stay Tuned.
Also Read: Vehicle Fitness Certificate Sticker Mandatory On The Windshield Of Every Vehicle!
As a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine requires inspections and services at regular intervals, the electric vehicles, be it commercial goods or passenger carriers or private commuters, require checks to determine their fitness on the road so as not to pose a threat to the driver, occupants and the other commuters on road.
Therefore, electric vehicles need to undergo specific tests which are different from internal combustion engine equipped vehicles. One of the most important tests is protection against electric shock and insulation resistance management. As electric vehicles carry heavy voltage batteries, current leaks can be fatal.
Therefore, a standard proposing for Recognition, Regulation and Control of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) has been introduced, and these mandatory tests have been listed under the CMV (Central Motor Vehicles) Second Amendment Rules, 2022. Any electric vehicle manufacturer will have to ensure the protection against electric shock if the full system voltage is greater than 60 V DC or 30 V A. This would be cross verified with an insulation resistance measurement test for the designated vehicles. Additionally, the individual conducting the visual health test of the vehicle would have to ensure that none of the access probes touches the live parts, and there certainly is no leverage for an electric shock.
All four wheeler electric vehicles would also have to get their battery level indicators checked for safety purposes, as this is one of the most crucial parts while driving an electric vehicle and most people face range anxiety on a daily basis. In case of a malfunction, this can lead to misconceptions regarding the range of the vehicle, and the vehicle might run out of charge in the middle of the road in worst case scenarios.
A few standard components like steering, instrument cluster, windscreen wipers would also undergo testing, and most of them would be done in an automated form. However, some tests would be carried out manually, like the FASTag and seat belts.
In the case of e-rickshaws and e-carts, the maximum speed would be capped at 25 kilometres per hour, and this upper limit would be cross checked on the speedometer test.
Also Read: 2022 Tata Tigor EV Spied Testing - All The Things You Need To Know
So, what do you think about this decision off introducing enhanced fitness test norms for electric vehicles? Share your views in the comment section. Let's get into a discussion with this in our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group, where you can know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride, and much more! You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel for our exclusive video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
