EVs fire case: Testing norms for batteries, battery management and cells to be revised

The government has also ordered a probe into how the vehicles caught fire abruptly. The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are also trying to figure out what caused the fires.

ET Now Digital

Updated Apr 20, 2022, 07:07 IST

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

The electric mobility sector is under scrutiny aftera number of electric two-wheeler vehicles caught fire in recent times.
Theseincidents have also prompted the government to seek revision in all the testingnorms for batteries, battery management and cells.
It has also ordered a probe into how the vehicles caught fire abruptly.

The electric mobility sector is under scrutiny after a number of electric two-wheeler vehicles caught fire in recent times. These incidents have also prompted the government to seek revision in all the testing norms for batteries, battery management and cells.

The Centre is seriously looking into the matter as it has been pushing the industry through subsidies and regulatory eases for some time. It has also ordered a probe into how the vehicles caught fire abruptly. The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are also trying to figure out what caused the fires.

A CNBC-News 18 report, citing sources, said that the Centre is planning to discuss with the EV makers about the issues with particularly electric two-wheelers that recently caught fire. The report said the government will, if they found necessary, give directions and advise the companies whose EVs caught fire.

Taking note of the fire incident, Okinawa Autotech, an electric scooter maker, has announced that it is recalling 3,215 units of its Praise Pro scooters to assess and remedy any battery issues with immediate effect.

"The batteries will be checked for loose connectors or any damage and be repaired free of charge at any of the Okinawa authorised dealerships pan India," said the automaker.

Ola, Okinawa, Jitendra Electric, and Pure EV are being advised on steps that need to be taken to prevent such fires in the future, the report said quoting sources.

Electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries, of the kind used in cellphones and smartwatches, which are generally considered to be efficient and light compared to their counterparts. However, they are prone to a fire risk, as seen in the case of the electric two-wheelers. All lithium-ion cells are imported into India as of now.

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