BIS Standards for electric vehicle Charging

BIS is a member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), a global organization working to create reference standards for electric vehicles and their components to ensure interoperability and reduce trade barriers. Although Indian standards for charging electric vehicles are compliant with global standards, modifications that are specific to India are required due to the country’s distinct vehicle types and local climate.

Indian Standards For AC Charging

IS 17017 is the key electric vehicle charging standard in India comprising three parts and six sections. IS-17017- Part-1 provides the basic features of all electric vehicle charging systems. An AC EVSE must adhere to this standard, and specific AC connector standard in the IS-17017-Part-2. Both AC and DC EVSE need to conform to the technical standards IS-17017-Parts 21 & 22. Additional Indian standards for AC EVSEs have been approved for light electric vehicles and e-cars (in the form of low-cost charging points), for use in parking areas.

Indian Standards For DC Charging

The requirements for DC charging stations with power outputs ranging from 50 kW to 200 kW are outlined in IS-17017-Part-23. In addition, high power charging standards are required to accommodate buses and other heavy vehicles. The BIS has recently completed IS-17017-Part-25, which is designed to provide light EVs with DC power of less than 7 kW. IS-17017-Part 24 specifies data communication standards because digital communications are required between the DC EVSE and the EV. Communications will follow the IS-15118 series when the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard, which can provide both AC and DC charging, is implemented.

Indian Standards For battery swapping

For bus battery swapping standards and LEV battery swapping standards, separate projects have been started. The battery pack’s form factor, interoperable connection systems, communication between the BMS and the EV and charging station, and network management will all be covered in two series of standards documents. A battery pack that meets these requirements can be used in any electric vehicle. AC or DC systems can be used to charge the removable battery packs. Indian standards for EV roaming and grid-related management functions have not yet been developed by the BIS.

Specifications

Technical specifications for electric vehicle chargers vary across Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging stations across different countries. Table below showcases the mapping of different charger specification in India:

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Standards

Central Electricity Authority seeks to make technical standards & regulations in the power sector of the country. CEA is primarily responsible for standards related to safety of power grid.

CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations

CEA Measures relating to safety and electric supply regulations include: General safety requirement for electric vehicle charging station Earth protection system for charging stations Requirement to prevent fire for electric vehicle charging stations Testing of charging stations Inspection and periodic assessment of charging stations Maintenance of records International Standard for charging stations

To find more about CEA measures relating to safety and electric supply, click below.

Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)

ARAI creates principles for vehicles and its parts. These principles are set apart as AIS-XXX guidelines. With the exception of trolley buses, rail vehicles, and off-road industrial vehicles, AIS-138 Part 1 specifies the charging requirements for AC Charging and AIS-138 Part 2 specifies the charging requirements for DC Charging for all electric vehicles (two, three, and four wheelers). The following mandates are required by both the government and the AIS-Standard for the establishment of an electric vehicle charging station because the selection of equipment is essential:

GOVERNMENT MANDATES:

Equipment selection for the charging station must be in line with the government guidelines. For public electric vehicle charging stations, Ministry of Power (MoP) notified its guidelines in October 2019. Key requirements mentioned therein are summarized below:

• The charging station should have an exclusive transformer with all related substation equipment, including safety appliance
• The charging station should include 33/11 kV lines/cables and associated equipment, including line termination etc.
• The charging station must have appropriate cabling and electrical work ensuring safety
• The charging station must have adequate space for charging and entry/ exit of vehicles
• The charging station should have any of the chargers shown below:

ARAI standards- AIS 138 Part 1 for EV conductive AC charging system

• This standard applies to charging electric road vehicles at standard a.c. supply voltages (as per IS 12360/IEC 60038) up to 1000 V and for providing electrical power for any additional services on the vehicle if required when connected to the supply network. Electric road vehicles (EV) implies all road vehicles (2/3/4 Wheelers), including plug in hybrid road vehicles (PHEV), that derive all or part of their energy from on-board batteries.
• The aspects covered include characteristics and operating conditions of the supply device and the connection to the vehicle, operators and third party electrical safety, and the characteristics to be complied with by the vehicle with respect to the EVSE-AC, only when the electric vehicle is earthed.
• Requirements for specific inlet, connector, plug and socket-outlets for electric vehicles are referred in AIS-038(Rev.1). This standard does not cover all safety aspects related to maintenance. This standard is not applicable to trolley buses, rail vehicles and off-road industrial vehicles

To find more about AIS 138 Part 1, click below.

ARAI standards- AIS 138 Part 2 for EV conductive DC charging system

• This standard gives the requirements for DC electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, also referred to as “DC charger”, for conductive connection to the vehicle, with an AC or DC input voltage up to 1000 V AC and up to 1500 V DC (as per IS 12360/IEC 60038).
• This standard includes information on electric vehicle for conductive connection, but limited to the necessary content for describing the power and signaling interface. This part covers DC output voltages up to 1500 V. This standard does not cover all safety aspects related to maintenance.
• This standard provides the general requirements for the control communication between a DC electric vehicle charging station and an electric vehicle. The requirements for digital communication between DC electric vehicle charging station and electric vehicle for control of DC charging are defined in this standard.
• This standard also applies to digital communication between a DC electric vehicle charging station and an electric road vehicle (EV) for control of DC charging, with an AC or DC input voltage up to 1000 V AC and up to 1500 V DC for the conductive charging procedure. The electric vehicle charging mode is external DC.