EV push: Bureau of Indian Standards approves indigenous charging standards for 2Ws, 3Ws

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Msc

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has granted approval to an indigenous AC and DC combined charging connector standard designed for light electric vehicles (LEVs), known as IS17017 (Part 2/Sec 7): 2023.

About IS17017 (part 2/Sec 7): 2023:

The initiative was undertaken by NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, ARAI, EV makers and the Bureau of Indian Standards to develop a national standard to help create an open ecosystem that will drive faster EV adoption across the globe.
This is claimed to be the world’s first-ever combined AC and DC charging connector standard for LEVs and is designed and engineered in India and can become the benchmark globally for LEVs.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will now have a choice to move away from relying solely on international standards and protocols. Since more than 75 percent of new vehicles sold in India are either two- or three-wheelers, BIS created a standard that impacts the biggest chunk of the vehicle market.

Addressing the gap:

The standard addresses a large gap in the market for a standardized connector for an AC and DC combined charging system for light electric vehicles (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and microcars).
A combined AC and DC charging connector ensures that a hybrid, cost-efficient infrastructure emerges for all forms of charging, whether fast or slow, for light electric vehicles.
The customer benefits from having an interoperable network for fast and slow charging without carrying a bulky charger with them.