The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has unveiled two standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, aiming to enhance the safety of electric vehicles (EV) across various categories.

These new regulations, targeting the EV powertrain, ensure stringent safety measures and battery performance criteria.

The IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024 standards relate specifically to vehicles in the two-wheelers, passenger four-wheelers, and goods-carrying four-wheelers categories, covering a broad spectrum from two-wheelers to commercial trucks.

BIS has also launched IS 18294: 2023, a standard dedicated to e-rickshaws and e-karts, recognizing the growing popularity of electric mobility solutions beyond traditional cars and trucks. These vehicles are increasingly becoming common on Indian roads, offering a sustainable and economical alternative for short-distance travel. The new standard covers comprehensive safety aspects, from construction to operational functionality, ensuring the well-being of both drivers and passengers.

With these additions, BIS now has 30 Indian Standards specifically tailored to EVs and their accessories, including charging infrastructure.

EV sales in India reached a record 486,669 units in the first quarter of 2024, a jump of over 40% year-over-year against the 347,676 units sold in the same period of 2023. The EV market consistently exceeded the 100,000-unit threshold each month during the quarter, and March witnessed the highest-ever monthly sales figure of 204,337 units.

In March, the Ministry of Heavy Industries launched the Electric Mobility Promotion Program 2024 with a funding of ₹5 billion (~$60.34 million). The program will be in force until July 31, 2024, and targets electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, e-carts, and L5 category vehicles.

Last August, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry recommended that the government extend Phase II of the FAME program for at least three years beyond March 31, 2024, to make EVs a norm in the Indian automobile market.