New EV battery norms deadline worrying players

EV industry appears to be caught in a 'perfect storm'as it prepares to meet the new battery safety deadline that will be effected in December 2022 and March 2023. Amit Vijay Mand Shahkar Abidi have the story.

- Amit Vijay Mand Shahkar Abidi

The new battery norms have put the EV industry in a quandary. While the EV industry claims that it barely batteries in isolation, simulate road loads and finally test the entire vehicle, the fact that the deadline coincides with the next phase of BS VI emission norms has exacerbated their problem. They claim that the situation will cause significant delays because testing and certification agencies lack the infrastructure needed to deal with such a large number of vehicles with the waiting period for type approval running into weeks. The fear is that the logjam could force vehicle production to a halt.

Concerned over the evolving situation, members of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body representing all major vehicle manufacturers, has written to the government, stating that AIS 038 Rev.2 up to Amendment 1 can be easily implemented. However, requirements of Amendment 2, if required, should be implemented with a realistic lead time. "Therefore, a suitable additional lead time (ranging from three months to 15 months) shall be provided to comply with Amendment 2 to AIS 038 Rev2 requirements," SIAM said in its emails to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORT&H). Autocar Professional has access to these emails. Furthermore, with regard to the proposed conformity of production (COP) for traction batteries, SIAM in their correspondence added that since the industry resources are deeply engaged in the AIS 038 Rev 2 compliance process, it is therefore requested that it be implemented on April 1, 2023.

The new safety standards include 16 additional technical requirements for electric power train vehicle traction batteries, such as BMS enabled RFID and stringent cell testing requirements. It is thought to be even stricter than the current European regulation UN R100.03, which is set to take effect in September 2023 for new types and September 2025 for all types.