The recent spate of fires in electric scooters led to the government investigating the matter and pulling up manufacturers about the quality standards that went into making batteries and other electrical components. However, this has been more of a reactive measure and the government recently admitted that it lapsed when it came to not bringing the necessary safety standards for electric vehicles. Speaking at the recently held inaugural edition of EV Tech Delhi 2022, General (Retd) VK Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, said, "We are cognizant of the fact that we have had issues with the electric batteries, especially two-wheelers. There is a need for the industry, as well as all the others who are enforcing to ensure that the problems are sorted. From the ministry side, we are taking actions to further lay down guidelines so that safety measures are adequate, and we do not have that type of incidents we have had in two-wheelers in the recent past."
Also Read: Faulty Battery Cells, Modules Likely Caused E-Scooter Fire In India, Initial Probe Finds
Ola Electric among other manufacturers recalled their offerings owing to the fire incidents
The Minister was speaking at the event organised by the Society Of Manufacturers Of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), regarding the need for electric mobility in India and what the government has been doing to expedite the adoption of EVs across the country. However, this is for the first time that the government has admitted its lap when it comes to bringing the necessary quality standards for electric vehicles.
Adding further he said, "I think we have erred in not going into the details of what can be done, what type of regimen can come in so that safety management and quality issues can be taken together."
Nevertheless, Gen. Singh added that the government plans to bring new guidelines for electric vehicles soon without detailing the timeline for the same. He further said that "only quality will get you customers and not mass production."
General VK Singh also spoke about the need to incentivise the auto industry. He added that in another two years' time, the cost of building petrol, diesel and electric vehicles will be the same. He further said that "India is working hard on developing hydrogen cell technology and is on the same level as Japan in terms of research."
Also Read: Ola Electric Chief Says E-Scooter Fires Rare But Can Happen In Future
The electric scooter fire incidents have led to six reported deaths so far
The last few months have seen electric scooter fires involving offerings from Ola Electric, Okinawa, Pure EV, Boom Motors, and Jitendra EV among others. While the incidents were unrelated to each other, they did prompt the companies to recall their offerings to investigate the matter and take necessary actions. Moreover, it raised doubts and concerns regarding the quality of battery cells and packaging that was going into these electric scooters. The Centre for Fire Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) is already investigating fire incidents.
