In a letter to the Department of Roads and Highways, FADA said the idiosyncrasies of lithium-ion battery packs used in electric vehicles make them vulnerable to fire risks and therefore regulation and research are needed to ensure safety
In a letter to the Department of Roads and Highways, FADA said the idiosyncrasies of lithium-ion battery packs used in electric vehicles make them vulnerable to fire risks and therefore regulation and research are needed to ensure safety
Amid mounting electric two-wheeler fires, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has reached out to the government to lobby for the introduction of standards and regulations for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.
In a letter to Amit Varadan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, written last month, the association pointed out that most electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion (or Li-ion) batteries, from known to catch fire when exposed to air’. The idiosyncrasies of lithium-ion battery packs used in electric vehicles make them vulnerable to fire risks, and therefore regulations and research are needed to ensure safety, it said.
FADA stressed that the necessary steps must be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen and that riders and pillions are safe, FADA said, “since EV production compliance has yet to be published (December 2022), in the absence of standards, many companies have every type of EV vehicle manufactured, tested and sold without sticking to a standard threshold, putting many lives at risk.”
FADA also emphasized that since battery-powered vehicles (BoVs) under 25 kW do not require registration under the Motor Vehicle Act, it is difficult to identify the owner of the vehicle, raising concerns about safety and abuse
In addition, low-speed electric two-wheelers pose significant road safety concerns as the rider and passenger are not required to wear helmets while riding. In addition, these are also used by underage drivers.
“These vehicles are used by many businesses for commercial purposes such as home deliveries etc… FADA recommends that a mandate be required to urge drivers to wear protective headgear for their safety… similar to any other two wheeler and a Age A limit must be imposed for the use of battery powered 2W, along with the requirement to drive,” the industry association said.
The slow electric two-wheelers are manufactured with the stipulated mandatory limit of up to 25-kilowatt motor and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. “However, we are aware that these vehicles can be driven at speeds in excess of 25 km/h by unplugging and replacing the installed cables. by using an illegal chip; and with a hidden power mode button that helps boost speed when needed,” FADA said, adding that these vehicles are predominantly used by underage drivers who don’t have a license but want high speed for thrilling rides.
“FADA is therefore requesting the issuance of appropriate guidance regarding the specification for the manufacture of these battery-powered vehicles and the establishment of an age limit for the use of these vehicles,” the letter reads.
Retail sales of electric vehicles in the country rose 218.4% in FY22 to 4,29,217 units, according to data released by the association on Tuesday. While EV two-wheeler sales jumped 463.6% to 2,31,338 units, electric three-wheeler sales jumped 101% to 1,77,874 units. Sales of electric passenger cars increased to 17,802 units from 4,984 units, and electric commercial vehicles increased to 2,203 units from 400 units in FY21.
FADA said it expects strong demand to continue and that the industry could sell about 10 lakh units in the current fiscal year if vehicle manufacturers are able to increase capacity.
