Importance of Government Certification for EV Batteries, Experts Say

Technical and legal experts emphasize the crucial role of government-associated institutions and regulatory bodies, such as ICAT and ARAI, in certifying the batteries of electronic vehicles (EVs). Basic certification by these organizations, particularly ARAI under AIS 156 amendment, ensures safety and performance standards for battery providers.

Following reports of EVs catching fire, concerns have been raised about the battery pack, battery management system (BMS), and the cells inside. A government probe indicated faulty battery cells and modules as potential causes. In response, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has introduced new battery safety norms, effective from October 1, 2022, aligning with EU standards and including environmental and thermal propagation tests.

Rohit Vadera, CEO of PURE EV, hailed the new regulatory standards (AIS 156) as a positive step towards enhancing safety norms. Compliance with these rules and certification by testing agencies will ensure that all battery packs meet the required standards.

While acknowledging the benefits of EVs, Vadera highlighted that recent fire incidents have impacted sales. He stressed the importance of user responsibility, cautioning against overcharging and charging in unsuitable environments like kitchens or bedrooms, which were major factors contributing to accidents.

Mohd Abdul Yousuf, a legal associate with PURE EV, emphasized the significance of legal compliance when purchasing an EV. This includes ensuring safety certifications from regulatory bodies, warranty coverage, incentives, subsidies, and insurance. EVs come with a mandatory three-year warranty, and manufacturers must provide at least five years of component support, ensuring consumer protection in case of issues.

Another expert cautioned against using non-OEM chargers, as overcharging with such chargers significantly affects battery life and may lead to thermal runaway, causing spontaneous combustion of lithium-ion cells.