Maharashtra government issues SOP for charging e-vehicles

An EV charging station at the basement of the parking lot at NSCI

The state government has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for electric vehicle charging stations to ensure fires do not occur. The move comes amid rising cases of electric vehicles and e-bikes bursting into flames, especially when being charged.

Rules for charging stations

The SOP mentions that e-scooters should not be taken to individual flats for charging purposes. DC fast chargers must now also be clearly differentiated from conventional ones. "As the charging methods could be either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current), the safety requirements need to address both. Where multiple chargers are in use, there should be clear and prominent notices at each charging point indicating if it is suitable for AC or DC charging," said an official.

As per the SOP, in multi-storey parking lots, charging points should be provided in the open air at roof deck level to minimise risk of fire spread. It also mentions that the charging point shall be within five metres from parked vehicles to prevent stretching of charging cables and at least 80 cm above the flood level. The rules also state that parking other vehicles in charging areas should be prohibited.

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The SOP stipulates that charging should not be undertaken within a 10-metre radius of any combustible materials or a 15-metre radius of hazardous installations such as transformers, flammable liquid stores, LPG tanks, etc. The SOP also deals with electrical safety provisions to charging stations and suggests that fire detection, alarm and control systems shall be as per the Indian standards.

Safety measures

The SOP also recognises mobility difficulties of users and states that e-scooters should be charged at a safe distance and in open areas. It also advises that these be charged during the day when someone is around. Portable chargers on commercial premises should be inspected periodically. The batteries of e-scooters should not be covered by blankets or other insulating materials when being charged. "The objective of the SOP is to ensure the fire and electrical safety of electrical vehicle charging stations during its operation cycle to safeguard human life and property," said Dinesh Khonde, chief electrical inspector, industries, energy and labour department.

Growth in EVs

E-vehicles have seen steady growth in recent years. The state has a total of 1,39,443 registered e-vehicles till mid-September. In 2017-18, the number stood at just 48. As per figures from RTO offices in the city, 14,789 new e-vehicles were registered in the city from April to mid-September this year, bringing the total number to around 21,000. With more people opting for e-vehicles, the demand for charging stations has also been on the rise.

"The growth can still be faster if a few basic issues, such as safety, are sorted out. The technology needs to further advance to prevent fires. Then there are certain fears like what if in the future several electric vehicles get caught in traffic jams for many hours and their batteries get drained? Common citizens are worried about such issues," Jitendra Gupta of Citizens Transport Committee said.

Maharashtra was one of the first states in the country to design and notify an EV policy. The first EV policy was released in February 2018 and later updated in July 2021. Coupled with this, there was also a shift in the public transport sector with the BEST undertaking starting the process to procure e-buses. The undertaking plans to convert its entire fleet to e-buses by 2025.

1,39,443
No of registered e-vehicles in the state till mid-September