Indian standards for charging connectors

India is making strides towards electric mobility as the world shifts towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. As more and more electric vehicles hit the roads, it is essential to establish standards and protocols for charging infrastructure to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for EV owners. In this regard, the Indian standards for charging connectors are derived from international standards, and it is crucial to understand them to ensure that the charging process is safe and reliable.

The charging connectors are part of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), which plugs into the EV charging socket to charge the battery either by on-board or off-board charger. The charging connectors are differentiated as either AC/DC or by the power rating. Let’s dive into the Indian standards of charging connectors to understand them better.

Bharat AC-001 is a standard for AC charging connectors in India. It has a three-phase 415 V input supply and a single-phase AC output voltage of 230 V, 15 A as per IS 12360. It uses push-button type ON-OFF switches and uses the IEC 60309 industrial blue connector standard (3-pin female connector). The EV and EVSE have no communication protocol incorporated in Bharat AC 001 charging technology. The EVSE and central management software use Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) for communication and authorization. The Bharat AC-001 standard is mainly used for slow and moderate charging, typically found in residential areas, workplaces, and shopping centers.

Bharat DC 001 is a standard for DC charging connectors in India. It uses three-phase 415 V AC input, which produces DC output voltage of 48 V/72 V and current of up to 200 A, which gives a power output of 10 kW/15 kW as per charger configuration type (either type 1 or type 2). The Bharat DC 001 (also known as Level 1 DC chargers) charging technology is defined as per the IEC 61851-1 and recommends GB/T 20234.3 protocol for communication. The Bharat DC 001 standard is primarily used for fast charging and is typically found in public charging stations, highway rest stops, and other places where drivers need to charge their EVs quickly.

Both Bharat AC-001 and DC 001 standards are essential for ensuring that EV owners have a safe and reliable charging experience. Standardization ensures that charging equipment from different manufacturers is compatible with EVs, making it easier for EV owners to find charging stations and charge their vehicles.

In conclusion, India is making steady progress towards an electric future, and standardization of charging connectors is a crucial step in ensuring that EVs are widely adopted. The Bharat AC-001 and DC 001 standards are just a few examples of the Indian standards for charging connectors, but they serve as a foundation for safe and reliable charging infrastructure. As the world continues to shift towards sustainable transportation, it is essential to keep up with the latest standards and protocols to ensure that EVs are charged safely and efficiently.