KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Government clarified no plans to enforce a single charging standard
- Ather Energy's indigenously developed charging connector for LEVs received BIS approval
- Concerns were raised in Lok Sabha about the lack of a standardized charging port
Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and India's National Standard Body approved a unified standard for both AC and DC charging connectors. The government has clarified it won't enforce a single charging standard for e-scooters, ensuring flexibility for consumers.
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Government Holds Back On Requiring Single Charging Standard For E-Scooters
In India, electric vehicle manufacturers have the freedom to adopt existing charging standards or create their own. Notably, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sanctioned Ather Energy's pioneering AC and DC Combined Charging connector for light electric vehicles in October. Ather Energy, a key player in the electric two-wheeler sector, boasts 1,600 charging stations and plans to expand that number to 2,500 by March 2024. This underscores a significant stride in the indigenous development of charging infrastructure, specifically tailored for light electric vehicles.
In a recent parliamentary statement, a new topic has sparked discussions. Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, clarified that the government does not intend to enforce uniform charging ports for electric scooters. Responding to Lok Sabha members Maddila Gurumoorthy and P.V. Midhun Reddy, he acknowledged their concern about the absence of a mandatory standardised charging port, each maker has to set up separate charging infrastructure across the country .
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Think of electric vehicle (EV) charging connectors like the charging cables for your mobile phones, such as the USB Type-C or Apple's lightning charger. When a particular charging standard is made mandatory, it's like ensuring that all EVs use the same 'language' for charging. This means EV owners won't have to worry about whether a public charging station is compatible because any station will work with their EV. Right now, EV owners sometimes need to check if a charging station supports the specific charging standard their EV uses, creating a bit of inconvenience. Standardizing the charging connectors simplifies things and reduces the stress of finding the right charging station.
Verdict
The government's decision not to mandate standardized charging ports for E-Scooters allows for innovation but raises concerns about fragmented charging infrastructure. While flexibility benefits manufacturers, ensuring compatibility across the EV landscape is crucial for a seamless charging experience and wider EV adoption. Clear guidelines and standards can play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and enhancing the EV ecosystem. Stay up to date with all the automotive news and updates by joining our 91Wheels Whatsapp Group today!
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