Govt Unveils Guidelines to Strengthen EV Battery Swapping Ecosystem

The Ministry of Power has rolled out comprehensive guidelines to develop the battery swapping and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) across India. This initiative aims to boost the country's transition to sustainable mobility by facilitating more efficient EV operations. The "Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Battery Swapping and Battery Charging Stations" outline key safety standards, operational protocols, and regulatory requirements for battery swapping stations (BSS) and charging stations (BCS). These guidelines apply to all providers of swappable batteries and operators of both types of stations.

The guidelines aim to promote battery swapping as a viable alternative to traditional charging, support the “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model, and build a comprehensive ecosystem around battery swapping. This model enables batteries to be swapped quickly, thus reducing downtime for EVs and alleviating concerns such as long charging times and high upfront battery costs. Operators can use existing electricity connections for their infrastructure, with provisions for liquid-cooled batteries for larger vehicles like buses and trucks. Public stations will serve broader EV users, fostering faster adoption of battery swapping technology. The initiative is expected to stimulate investment, innovation, and further technological advancements, contributing to India’s long-term green mobility goals and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

Related Stories