New EV Charging Standard for Bikes and Scooters

GS Paper III Indian Economy

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved an indigenously EV charging standard ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023.

It is developed through collaboration among NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, electric two-wheeler maker Ather Energy.
The indigenously developed EV charging standard is the first in the world that combines alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) for light electric vehicles (LEVs).
Although the new approved standard fixes the problem of different standards for AC and DC charging by creating a combined standard, it does not mandate EV makers to use a uniform standard which can help in faster adoption of EVs.

Global EV Charging Standard

China: GB/T is used as the national standard for charging.
Europe: Combined Charging System (CCS) is the predominant charging connector standard, and is also a European Union (EU) requirement for EV charging networks.
Japan: The predominant charging standard is called CHAdeMO.

In India, EV makers are not mandated to follow a specific standard for charging connectors.
- For Example: Electric two-wheeler makers such as Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive, all use different charging standards for their EVs.
Thus, too many charging standards for EVs makes it difficult for public charging stations to cater to each individual type.

News Source: Indian Express