Electric vehicles to get star ratings for efficiency under S&L

Electric vehicles batteries and charging equipment can now be rated by a star-rating method under the standardisation and labelling (S&L) programme of the government. This star-rating method will be helpful for the consumers to choose the most energy-efficient electric vehicles like we choose every other product on e-commerce websites.

Electric vehicles to get star ratings

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a government agency under the Ministry of Power, has been tasked to form the S&L programme for the EV industry.

The star-ratings to EVs include batteries and supply equipment (EVSE) that will look the same as the energy ratings given to 26 appliances and equipment under the S&L programme by BEE.

Sameer Pandita, Director, BEE, said: “We are introducing standardising and labelling programmes to standardise the performance of the batteries as well as the performance of DC chargers. In a month’s time, we will launch the go-electric programme to create awareness about e-mobility.”

As per data shared by the Society of Manufacturer of Electric Vehicles, sales of EVs (excluding e-rickshaws), during 2019-20, grew by 20 per cent to 1.56 lakh units over 2018-19, when the industry clocked 1.3 lakh units. Around 90,000 e-rickshaws are estimated to have been sold last year. Rest of the auto industry contracted by 18 per cent last year.

Similarly in the year 2016, a star-rating programme was planned for internal combustion engines powered vehicles that run on petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways even issued a draft notification, specifying the design and shape of the star-rating stickers pasted on vehicles. There is no fresh update on this initiative.