Industry Lauds India’s First Indigenous Charging Standard Developed For Light EVs

With BIS approving Ather-developed connector as new charging standard for light EVs, the electric vehicles manufacturers seeing opportunities for the growth of the industry while aiming to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Terming the it the new chapter of self-sufficiency and growth, Atul Gupta, Co-founder & Director of e-Sprinto said that we can expect a surge in the quality and performance of Indian-made electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, setting the stage for these vehicles to become the preferred choice for eco-conscious commuters both in India and across the globe.

Speaking to Opportunity India, Gupta said, “India’s pioneering indigenous AC and DC combined charging standard for light electric vehicles marks a defining moment for the entire electric vehicle industry. This innovation opens a new chapter of self-sufficiency and growth. By introducing a unique charging standard developed within our borders, we are not only reducing reliance on international protocols but also significantly lowering manufacturing costs for EVs. This translates into more affordable electric vehicles for consumers, making eco-friendly transportation more accessible to all.”

“Furthermore, this achievement will foster innovation and competition among domestic EV manufacturers, encouraging them to continually improve their products. As a result, we can expect a surge in the quality and performance of Indian-made electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, setting the stage for these vehicles to become the preferred choice for eco-conscious commuters both in India and across the globe. It’s a game-changer for our industry and a giant leap towards a sustainable, electric future,” he added.  

Meanwhile Quantum Energy lauded the standardised connector for light EVs and said that this milestone not only advances India’s electric vehicle industry but also propels the nation into a future where ‘Made in India’ signifies exceptional quality in EV products, ready to be shared with the world.

“At Quantum Energy, we’re thrilled by the introduction of India’s pioneering AC and DC combined charging standard for light electric vehicles. This innovative solution addresses a significant gap in the market, offering a standardized, versatile charging system for 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and microcars. Understanding the unique charging requirements of these vehicles, this innovation eliminates the need for unwieldy and costly 4W charging connectors,” said Chakarvarthi C, MD, Quantum Energy.

“By integrating both AC and DC capabilities, this achievement establishes a cost-effective, hybrid charging infrastructure that caters to all speeds. This ensures a seamless and interoperable network for customers, enabling them to benefit from both fast and slow charging without the inconvenience of carrying bulky chargers. This milestone not only advances India’s electric vehicle industry but also propels the nation into a future where ‘Made in India’ signifies exceptional quality in EV products, ready to be shared with the world,” added Chakarvarthi C.

Kapil Shelke, Founder & CEO, Tork Motors, on behalf of Bharat Charge Alliance, said, "IS17017 (Part 2/Sec 7) connector recently approved by the BIS is one of the many standards released by the body in the past. However, the charging protocol that will work in conjunction with the connector has not been approved and released. Even when approved, we believe there will be a sense of control over its implementation and that will affect the interoperability and adoption amongst different vehicle OEMs."

The Bharat Charge Alliance is already adopting IS17017 (Part 2/Sec 6) connector standard along with IS17017-25 communication standard (charging protocol) released by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on the recommendation of Department of Science & Technology back in 2020/21. The same standards are globally approved by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and already being used by Ola, TORK, TVS, Ultraviolette, Simple Energy, ETO Motors (3W), Surja Automotive (3W), Yamaha (globally), Suzuki (globally) and other OEMs in SEA and EU countries. This means almost 4 lakh vehicles on the road in the country are using this connector. Having said this, an adapter can help in interoperability provided the charging protocol is similar to what Tesla and NACS have done in the USA, he added. 

He further said,"What Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA) is advocating is democratization and freedom of charging the EVs – right from connector and charging protocol to payment mechanism thereby making the charging infrastructure interoperable amongst vehicle OEMs, charger makers and CPOs with added convenience for the end users. It is a "free for all" and open source platform intended to promote interoperability. Bharat Charge Alliance adopted standard works for 20-120V and 100A DC fast charging and ensures app-agnostic payment similar to UPI. It means the EV owner does not have to download 25 different charging apps to make payment for charging the vehicle. Even WhatsApp based payment will work," Shelke said.

He said that it is good to innovate but it is always better to have faster adoption of interoperable charging infrastructure to accelerate EV penetration and thereby meeting our NDC commitment to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.  

While, Kaustubh Dhonde, Founder & CEO of AutoNxt Automation said that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approving connector standardization for Electric 2-Wheelers (E2Ws) and Electric 3-Wheelers (E3Ws) in India is a game-changer.

"It ensures safety, reliability, and interoperability, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers. This move reduces manufacturing costs, making electric vehicles more accessible. It's particularly exciting for commercial EV's such as E3W's and going forward for Electric Tractors which are about to be soon introduced in the market, as it aligns perfectly with the growing demand for eco-friendly commercial EV's. A greener, safer, and more connected future awaits," Dhonde added.

Recently, in a major boost to the electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturers, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recognised the country’s first combined charging standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs). The new standard, dubbed IS17017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, is based on Ather Energy’s charging connector, and is the world’s first charging standard that combines AC and DC charging for small EVs.

Prior to this, every company had their own connector to charge the EV in the absence of standardised connector and regulated standards, now this matter seems to be solving and giving new direction to the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in India.

So far, the absence of a definitive charging standard for electric two- and three-wheelers in India has led most manufacturers to adopt their own unique standards, which discourages the potential for cross-compatibility. Many electric three-wheeler manufacturers opted for outdated charging protocols, mirroring what was used in the Chinese market. While there is an established standard for electric four-wheelers (CCS2), it isn't feasible for integration into smaller EVs due to its size and cost implications.

The IS17017 charging standard aims to address both of these challenges. This single connector can deliver up to 7.7 kW of AC charging and up to 12 kW of DC fast-charging. This not only offers flexibility for owners of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers but also simplifies their lives, as they may no longer need to carry around a bulky portable charger at all times.

This represents a pivotal moment for India's electric vehicle industry, which has previously grappled with customer concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure. It also streamlines product development for vehicle manufacturers, as they won't have to create vastly different charging systems for each new model.

Think of this as the Combined Charging System (CCS2) moment for India’s electric two-wheeler industry. It simplifies future product strategy as well. When a manufacturer needs to build a two-wheeler with a larger battery or develop a motorcycle with different energy and packaging requirements, they no longer have to design separate charging systems for each model. This new standard accommodates varying charging needs, as noted by an industry insider who requested anonymity.

Moreover, this development is expected to lead to a more extensive network of public charging infrastructure. Companies involved in setting up public charging infrastructure have been clear about their plans for electric cars but have been hesitant to invest in the two-wheeler segment. With IS17017 now established, more charging firms are likely to set up these chargers, resulting in wider availability and an improved overall customer experience.

Ather Energy, which unveiled the IP for this charging connector in 2021, currently operates over 1,500 'Grid' fast-charging points across India. Hero MotoCorp, India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer and a significant stakeholder in Ather, has also adopted this connector design for its fast-charging network and its inaugural product, the Vida V1. Together, Hero and Ather possess the largest two-wheeler public charging network in the country.

As IS17017 gains recognition as a standard, it's likely that several other electric two- and three-wheeler manufacturers will adopt it in the future. While full interoperability may take time to achieve, the formal acknowledgment of this standard represents the initial step in that direction.

The ultimate goal of this standard is to assure electric two-wheeler buyers that they won't have to worry about where to charge their vehicles. Over one or two product lifecycles, interoperability will become a reality, driven by technology that was designed, developed, and refined in India. This also signifies a vote of confidence because this technology is robust enough to be deployed worldwide, especially in regions where LEV standards are yet to be defined.

Conclusion: BIS approval of Ather-developed connector as new charging standard for light EVs has come as a major boost to the electric vehicle industry which will pave the way for growth and manufacturing cost reduction. Industry has welcomed this development for better and greener future.