Central lab to test EV batteries for safety

AIl electric vehicle (EV) batteries-domestic A and imported-will be tested for safety by the National Test House (NTH), two officials said, outlining government plans in the aftermath of several spontaneous fires.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The state-run lab that reports to the consumer affairs ministry will be entrusted with this task as green mobility is a big part of the Centre's ambitious energy transition plan. This government recently laid down battery safety and performance standards.

Although the exact number of spontaneous combustion of EV batteries is not known, minister of state for heavy industries Krishan Pal Gurjar told Parliament last month, "Incidents of fire accidents have been reported in electric twowheelers, manufactured by Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors." He did not give a number despite being asked in a written query.

Mandatory safety certification for EV batteries is slated to start with a pilot project in Bengaluru, the officials said.