Bureau of Indian Standards Introduces New Standards to Enhance EV Safety and Quality in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced two new standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of electric vehicles (EVs) in the L, M, and N categories. These standards focus on critical components such as the powertrain and batteries, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance requirements. Additionally, BIS has introduced IS 18294: 2023 for e-rickshaws and e-karts, covering their construction and functionality to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. With these new additions, BIS now has a total of 30 standards dedicated to EVs and their accessories, playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable and efficient transportation in India.

Key Highlights

• IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024: Focus on 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 various aspects from construction to functionality.

Impact on EV Industry

The introduction of these standards 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 reliable and secure, boosting consumer confidence and accelerating EV adoption. The standards for e-rickshaws and e-karts demonstrate BIS’s comprehensive approach to electric mobility, making it more accessible and safe for a broader segment of the population.

Understanding Vehicle Classifications

L Category

Includes 2Ws and 3Ws.

• • L1: 2Ws with a max design speed of 45 km/h, engine capacity ≤ 50 cc, or max continuous rated power ≤ 4 kW.
  • L2: 3Ws with similar constraints as L1.
  • L3: 2Ws without speed limits, typically motorcycles.
  • L4: Motorcycles with sidecars.
  • L5: 3Ws without speed limits, often motor tricycles.
  • L6: Light quadricycles with max design speed of 45 km/h.
  • L7: Heavy quadricycles with higher power and speed limits than L6.

M Category

Vehicles for passenger transport.

• • M1: Vehicles with no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat (typically cars).
  • M2: Vehicles carrying more than eight passengers, max mass ≤ 5 tonnes.
  • M3: Vehicles carrying more than eight passengers, max mass > 5 tonnes.

N Category

Vehicles for goods transport.

• • N1: Max mass ≤ 3.5 tonnes.
  • N2: Max mass > 3.5 tonnes but ≤ 12 tonnes.
  • N3: Max mass > 12 tonnes.