India has introduced a comprehensive framework of standards for electric vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure, aiming to enhance safety, ensure interoperability and promote domestic production in the growing e-mobility sector, a top government official said on Friday.

BIS, MoRTH Release Technical Standards

The Bureau of Indian Standards has issued a set of Indian Standards covering EV components, powertrain testing and safety protocols.

These standards define specifications for electric powertrains in both passenger and goods vehicles, including construction and functional safety (IS 18294:2023), performance testing of lithium-ion batteries (IS 17855:2022) and methods for measuring energy consumption and range (IS 17191 series).

Separately, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified key Automotive Industry Standards for EVs.

These include AIS 038 for safety, AIS 039 and AIS 040 for energy consumption and range measurement, and AIS 156 for two- and three-wheeler electric powertrains.

MoRTH has also amended charging interface standards to ensure interoperability across all passenger and goods vehicle categories, excluding light commercial vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

Standards for Charging Infrastructure, Battery Swapping

In support of interoperable charging, BIS has established technical requirements for EV connectors, supply equipment, and communication protocols.

These standards align with global norms under the ISO 15118 series and the IS 17017 series, detailing specifications for AC and DC charging systems, electromagnetic compatibility, and digital communication between vehicles and chargers.

Standards have also been introduced for battery swapping systems (IS 17896), including general guidance and safety requirements, with the goal of expanding flexible charging solutions for commercial EV fleets.

In September 2024, the Ministry of Power issued guidelines for the installation and operation of EV charging infrastructure, reinforcing safety, quality, and interconnectivity across India’s growing charging network.

Domestic Manufacturing Incentives

To accelerate local production, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched three key initiatives:

  • PLI-Auto: Offers incentives for manufacturers of EVs and critical components, with a required domestic value addition of at least 50 percent.
  • PLI-ACC: Supports domestic production of advanced chemistry cell batteries, crucial for EV traction batteries.
  • SPMEPCI: Encourages local assembly of electric passenger cars under specific localization norms.

These schemes are part of India’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on imports and make the country a global EV manufacturing hub.

This information was provided by Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.

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