India develops world's first combined AC/DC charging connector for EVs

More than 75% of new vehicles sold in India are either two or three-wheelers.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Standard Body of India have approved the world's first AC and DC Combined Charging connector standard for light electric vehicles. 

BIS collaborated with the NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology, ARAI and EV makers to develop the national standard. It will pave the way for a common AC and DC charging system for light electric vehicles that include electric 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers and microcars. 

The high cost and large size of 4-wheler charging connectors make them infeasible for such light electric vehicles as they have their own set of charging requirements. Having a combined AC and DC charging connector would also pave the way for a cost-effective charging infrastructure that will be interoperable for both fast and slow charging.

B V R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog said, "Since more than 75% of new vehicles sold in India are either two or three-wheelers, we created a standard that impacts the biggest chunk of the vehicle market. Several government bodies and private sector OEMs came together to make this happen."

Source: ET Auto