The Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA) is heralding a new era in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This alliance, a consortium of leading lights in the EV charging sphere, including Log9, Trinity Cleantech, Altigreen, ETO Motors, Pulse Energy, ChargeZone, Billion Electric & EVnnovator, and Tork Motors, is making concerted efforts to establish a standardised, reliable, and interoperable charging network across India.
BCA's initiative is a response to a pressing need: a unified charging framework that allows EV owners to recharge their vehicles seamlessly, irrespective of the make or model. This quest for interoperability is not just about facilitating convenience but is also a strategic move to accelerate the shift towards sustainable mobility in India.
Another objective is the Unified Energy Interface (UEI) based payment mechanism powered by the Beckn protocol. This integrated approach is not solely focused on meeting the burgeoning demand for EVs but is also aligned with India's overarching sustainability objectives.
Significantly, on National Science Day, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, underscored the importance of such collaborative efforts. The DST released a whitepaper that not only validates the imperative for interoperable charging infrastructure but also highlights the adoption of IS 17017-25 and UEI as critical to advancing India's e-mobility landscape.
The Type 6 connector, capable of supporting up to 125A continuous charging current, is gaining traction among e3W (L5) OEMs, including Altigreen, ETO Motors, and Surja Automotive. This connector, now locally produced by India's leading connector manufacturers, is playing a vital role in making EV charging more affordable.
Moreover, ARAI has developed comprehensive validation and testing capabilities for the IS 17017-2-6 connector and IS 17017-25 protocol. This development not only boosts the credibility of the Bharat Charge Alliance's standards but also ensures the reliability and safety of the charging infrastructure being rolled out.
Looking ahead, the Bharat Charge Alliance is set on a bold mission to establish over 5000 public charging stations across India by the end of the next fiscal year. This expansion is not just about numbers; it's about building a robust infrastructure that supports the country's clean energy ambitions and fosters a widespread acceptance of electric mobility.