New safety norms for EV batteries to take effect on 1 Oct

05 Sep 2022 CW Team

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated that additional requirements for electric vehicle battery safety would come into effect from October 1, 2022.

Following EV fire incidents across the country, the ministry had constituted an expert committee chaired by Tata Narsingh Rao, Director, ARCI, Hyderabad, to recommend additional safety requirements in the existing battery safety standards notified under CMV Rules.

Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the ministry last week issued amendment to requirements for motor vehicles with less than four wheels running on electric power train, and amendments to specific requirements for four-wheeler EVs carrying passengers and goods.

These amendments include additional safety requirements related to battery cells, battery management system, on-board charger, design of battery pack, thermal propagation due to internal cell short circuit leading to fire, etc.

“The notification to mandate amended AIS 156 and AIS 038 Rev.2 standards for the respective categories of electric vehicles with effect from 1 October 2022 is in progress," the statement said.

The ninistry also has issued draft notification GSR 659 (E) dated 25 August 2022, to amend Sub-rule 4 of Rule 124 of Central Motor Vehicles Rule (CMVR) 1989, for mandating Conformity of Production (COP) for traction batteries used in electric power train vehicles. The proposed regulation will also be applicable with effect from 1 October, 2022.

The ministry has sought comments and suggestions from all stakeholders within a period of thirty days.

Following the EV fire incidents, the road ministry formed two committees, one to look at the testing criteria and standards and the other to probe the reasons for fires. The investigation found that many batteries had cells connected in an unsafe manner and that several of them did not have a venting mechanism to disperse heat in case of overheating.

In April, road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said the government would issue quality-centric guidelines for EVs.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated that additional requirements for electric vehicle battery safety would come into effect from October 1, 2022. Following EV fire incidents across the country, the ministry had constituted an expert committee chaired by Tata Narsingh Rao, Director, ARCI, Hyderabad, to recommend additional safety requirements in the existing battery safety standards notified under CMV Rules. Based on the recommendations of the expert committee, the ministry last week issued amendment to requirements for motor vehicles with less than four wheels running on electric power train, and amendments to specific requirements for four-wheeler EVs carrying passengers and goods. These amendments include additional safety requirements related to battery cells, battery management system, on-board charger, design of battery pack, thermal propagation due to internal cell short circuit leading to fire, etc. “The notification to mandate amended AIS 156 and AIS 038 Rev.2 standards for the respective categories of electric vehicles with effect from 1 October 2022 is in progress, the statement said. The ninistry also has issued draft notification GSR 659 (E) dated 25 August 2022, to amend Sub-rule 4 of Rule 124 of Central Motor Vehicles Rule (CMVR) 1989, for mandating Conformity of Production (COP) for traction batteries used in electric power train vehicles. The proposed regulation will also be applicable with effect from 1 October, 2022. The ministry has sought comments and suggestions from all stakeholders within a period of thirty days. Following the EV fire incidents, the road ministry formed two committees, one to look at the testing criteria and standards and the other to probe the reasons for fires. The investigation found that many batteries had cells connected in an unsafe manner and that several of them did not have a venting mechanism to disperse heat in case of overheating. In April, road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said the government would issue quality-centric guidelines for EVs. See also: Chandigarh MC plans to use an all-weather vehicle to fix the roads Reconstruction of 145-year-old Bailey bridge begins

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Equipment

09 Mar 2026

Company showcases North America-certified machinery and secures new deals

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., recently showcased a wide portfolio of North America-certified and customised construction equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. The display included engineering hoisting machinery, concrete equipment, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment and construction hoisting solutions tailored to regional operational requirements.All equipment presented at the exhibition complies with North American certification standards, with several models specifically developed to meet local regulatory requirements and site conditions. One of the hig..

Technology

09 Mar 2026

Sinoboom Launches Dual-ETM Smart Technology

Sinoboom recently introduced its Dual-ETM Smart Technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, designed to enhance battery endurance and operational efficiency in electric boom lifts.The new technology integrates advanced components that enable real-time optimisation of power usage during equipment operation. By calculating the precise power requirement instantly, the system delivers only the energy needed for each movement, reducing the inefficiencies associated with conventional maximum-demand power systems.The solution incorporates multiple sensors—including pressure, weight, length and level sensor..