Central Idea

India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently approved an innovative charging connector standard, ISI7017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, designed for light electric vehicles (LEVs) like scooters, bikes, and rickshaws.

Why discuss this?

This pioneering standard combines alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging, making it the world’s first of its kind.
Much like universal mobile phone charging standards, this initiative aims to enhance interoperability and charging convenience for EV users in India.

AC and DC Integration: The newly approved standard represents a groundbreaking approach by merging AC and DC charging technologies for LEVs. Unlike existing norms primarily catering to four-wheelers, this standard addresses the unique requirements of two-wheelers and rickshaws.
Interoperability Advantages: The concept of a combined charging standard offers compelling interoperability benefits, accommodating diverse EV models and charging infrastructure providers. It aligns with global trends that prioritize seamless EV charging experiences.

Diverse Charging Standards: In India, there is currently no mandate for EV manufacturers to adhere to a specific charging connector standard. As a result, companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Ultraviolette Automotive employ different charging standards for their EVs.
Challenges of Multiple Standards: The proliferation of unique charging standards among EV manufacturers complicates the establishment of public charging stations, exacerbating range anxiety—an apprehension that EVs may run out of charge with limited charging options.

China’s National Standard: China, the world’s largest electric car market, employs a national standard known as GB/T. Supported by an extensive charging network, this standard has effectively tackled range anxiety concerns.
United States’ Collaborative Efforts: Although the U.S. lacks a national standard, leading EV manufacturers such as Ford and General Motors (GM) are collaborating to establish the North American Charging Standard (NACS), partly based on Tesla’s technology.
Europe’s CCS Standard: Europe predominantly relies on the Combined Charging System (CCS) as its charging connector standard, mandated by the European Union (EU). Even Tesla has integrated CCS ports into its European EVs and Superchargers.
Japan’s CHAdeMO Standard: Japan’s primary charging standard, CHAdeMO, has seen success domestically but is gradually being phased out in North America.

India’s innovative AC/DC combined charging connector standard for light electric vehicles marks a significant step toward streamlining EV charging infrastructure.
While the new standard introduces interoperability advantages, addressing the challenge of diverse charging standards across EV manufacturers remains essential.