The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, to enhance the safety and quality of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. These standards, aimed at vehicles in the L, M, and N categories, focus on the critical component of electric vehicles—the powertrain—ensuring it meets stringent safety requirements. They also emphasize the safety and performance of batteries, ensuring they are both powerful and secure.
Recognising the growing popularity of e-rickshaws and e-karts, BIS has also introduced IS 18294: 2023, which establishes safety standards specifically for these vehicles. This new standard covers various aspects, from construction to functionality, ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers.
With these additions, BIS now has a total of 30 Indian Standards dedicated to electric vehicles and their accessories, including charging systems. These comprehensive standards are crucial in driving the transition to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient transportation system in the country.
Key Highlights
IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024 focus on the safety and performance of EV powertrains and batteries for vehicles in the L, M, and N categories.
IS 18294: 2023 establishes safety standards for e-rickshaws and e-karts, covering construction and functionality.
Impact On EV Industry
The introduction of these standards by BIS marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety and quality of electric vehicles in India. By setting stringent safety requirements for powertrains and batteries, these standards ensure that EVs on Indian roads are both reliable and secure. This initiative is expected to boost consumer confidence in electric vehicles, thereby accelerating their adoption across the country.
Moreover, the inclusion of standards for e-rickshaws and e-karts highlights BIS's commitment to a comprehensive approach to electric mobility. These standards ensure that the benefits of electric vehicles extend beyond cars and trucks to other popular modes of transport, making electric mobility more accessible and safe for a broader segment of the population.
Understanding Vehicle Classifications
The L, M, and N categories are classifications for vehicles based on their intended use and technical characteristics. These classifications are often used in regulations and standards to ensure appropriate safety and performance requirements are met for different types of vehicles.
The L category includes 2Ws and 3Ws. These are further subdivided into L1 (2Ws with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 kmph and an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc for internal combustion engines, or a maximum continuous rated power of not more than 4 kW for electric motors.
L2 is for 3Ws with similar speed and power constraints as L1. L3 is for 2Ws without a speed limit, typically motorcycles while L4 is for motorcycles with sidecars. L5 is for 3Ws with no speed limit, often motor tricycles, and L6 is for light quadricycles with a maximum design speed of not more than 45 km/h, while L7 is for heavy quadricycles, which have higher power and speed limits than L6.
The M category includes vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers. This category is subdivided into M1, which is for vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat (typically cars). M2 is for vehicles designed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver, with a maximum mass not exceeding five tonne, while M3 is for vehicles designed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver, with a maximum mass exceeding five tonne.
The N category includes vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods. This category is subdivided into N1 for vehicles designed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonne. N2 is for vehicles designed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonne but not exceeding 12 tonne while N3 is for vehicles designed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonne.
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