UL Standards & Engagement, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, Bureau of Indian Standards, WRI India, NITI Aayog, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), hosted the ‘Constructing a Resilient Electric Vehicle Safety Ecosystem in India’ conference this week. The event aimed to address safety concerns within India’s growing Electric Vehicles (EVs) market.
The surge in electric vehicle sales indicates substantial growth potential for India’s EV industry. Recent EV-related fire incidents have raised concerns, emphasizing the need for swift safety measures.
Stakeholders proposed strategies to establish a safer, more secure, and sustainable EV ecosystem in India. Participants discussed challenges faced by the EV sector, including adapting vehicles to tropical climates, developing infrastructure, and ensuring competence across the supply chain, from materials to maintenance.
The importance of adopting global best practices and investing in research and development was highlighted. The conference emphasized the pivotal role in shaping India’s safe, secure, and environmentally conscious EV future. Establishing a robust quality framework for EVs, building consumer confidence, and cultivating a skilled workforce were key points during the two-day session.
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, emphasized the need to support EV development, including charging infrastructure and hydrogen filling stations, for a sustainable future.
Eric Garcetti, United States Ambassador to India, stressed the importance of setting standards and accelerating change during a time of climate concerns, highlighting India’s leadership in the global electric car sector.
Sudhendu Sinha, Advisor – Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport & Electric Mobility, NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of safety standards in fostering innovation and progress.
David Steel, Executive Director of UL Standards & Engagement, highlighted the connection between EV potential and safety, underlining the critical role of standards in achieving global sustainability.
Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India, emphasized the need for collaboration among government, industry, and academia to create a safe and robust EV ecosystem, mentioning initiatives like the Open Battery Management System platform.
Durra Elmaki, Commercial Attache, U.S. Commercial Service, expressed excitement about the conference’s role in aligning perspectives on EV standards among stakeholders.
Rishabh Jain, Senior Programmes Lead CEEW, emphasized the necessity of a robust EV safety ecosystem, calling for collaboration among various stakeholders to design and implement standards.
