EVs need the spark of regulation in India to accelerate transition: Experts

Mandated battery standards are becoming imperative if India is to accelerate the transition from traditional vehicles

Why do we need a bunch of battery standards in India, mandated and monitored by the government — a burning topic that has pitted start-ups against traditional manufacturers, government officials and consumers, who view regulations as a vehicle to boost rider confidence and improve safety.

India’s electric vehicle (EV) universe, comprising manufacturers, battery swappers and charging outlets, pretty much operate in the world of Clint Eastwood’s Wild West. Any semblance of order and accountability is ambiguous at best, as small-time traders, start-ups led by young technologists, and established automakers jostle for a piece of a potential $150-billion market.

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