BIS Approves World’s First AC and DC Combined Charging Connector, Propelling Indian Innovation Globally.
India is again leading the charge in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, achieving a groundbreaking milestone. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standard Body, has given the green light to the country’s very first indigenous AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs). This achievement marks India’s prowess in EV technology and sets a global precedent by introducing the world’s inaugural combined AC and DC charging connector standard for light electric vehicles.
In an unprecedented collaboration, NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, ARAI, EV manufacturers, and the Bureau of Indian Standards joined forces to craft this national standard. The objective? To create an open ecosystem that accelerates global EV adoption. This standard allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to break free from dependency on international standards and protocols, fostering Indian innovation in the EV industry.
The new standard fills a significant void in the market—the absence of a standardized connector for AC and DC combined charging systems for light electric vehicles, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and microcars. These unique charging requirements necessitate a different approach, as the bulk and cost of traditional 4W charging connectors are impractical for smaller EVs.
The combined AC and DC charging connector brings a game-changing advantage to EV owners. It establishes a hybrid, cost-effective charging infrastructure that accommodates fast and slow charging. EV enthusiasts can enjoy an interoperable network without lugging around bulky chargers.
B V R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of this combined charging standard for achieving India’s EV targets. He highlighted the necessity of a charging system that caters to the needs of light EV customers, providing the flexibility to charge from either AC or DC outlets.
Swapnil Jain, Founder of Ather Energy, hailed the achievement as a remarkable milestone for India, as it presents the potential for global implementation of an India-designed and developed technology.
Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, sees this homegrown connector standard as a breakthrough aligned with the ‘Make in India’ policy. He emphasized the significance of innovation in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the light electric vehicle category.
In conclusion, India’s pioneering AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light electric vehicles advances the nation’s EV industry and sets a worldwide example, solidifying India’s position as a global technology-based solution provider in the EV-automobile sector. This achievement is a testament to India’s ability to innovate and create solutions that have the potential to transform the global EV landscape. Congratulations to all those involved in this remarkable government initiative.
