India has achieved a significant milestone in the electric vehicle (EV) industry as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has approved the country’s first AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs).
This standard, IS17017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, is not only India’s first but also the world’s first combined AC and DC charging connector standard for LEVs. It was developed through collaboration between NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, ARAI, EV manufacturers, and the Bureau of Indian Standards.
This groundbreaking standard addresses a crucial need for a common charging connector for both AC and DC charging systems in light electric vehicles, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and microcars.
The development of this standard aims to create an open ecosystem that will accelerate EV adoption, benefitting all stakeholders in the EV industry, including vehicle owners, manufacturers, and charging point operators. This move allows Indian OEMs to move away from relying solely on international standards and protocols, fostering innovation in the Indian EV sector.
B V R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of this development, especially for light EVs, which constitute a significant portion of India’s vehicle market. With this new standard, customers can expect an interoperable network for both fast and slow charging, eliminating the need to carry bulky chargers.
This achievement positions India at the forefront of EV technology and standards, setting an example for the global EV industry.
