EV Driving Range to be Declared Publicly: MoRTH
In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer trust in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the Government of India has mandated that all EV manufacturers publicly declare the driving range of their vehicles. This new regulation, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), requires that the range be tested and certified under the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) and include both urban and extra-urban driving conditions.
The New Guidelines
Previously, EVs were tested primarily under urban driving conditions, which often led to discrepancies between the claimed range and real-world performance. The new guidelines stipulate that the range must be tested under both urban and extra-urban conditions, providing a more comprehensive and realistic measure of an EV’s capabilities.
Impact on Manufacturers
Leading EV manufacturers have welcomed this move, seeing it as a step towards greater transparency and consumer confidence. Tata Motors has already updated the range certifications for its popular models, including the Curvv EV, Nexon EV, Punch EV, and Tiago EV. The revised MIDC ranges for these models now reflect more accurate figures, with the Curvv EV’s range, for instance, being adjusted to 502 kilometers for the 55 kWh variant and 430 kilometers for the 45 kWh variant.
Consumer Benefits
For consumers, this regulation means more reliable information when making purchasing decisions. The inclusion of both urban and extra-urban driving conditions in the range certification process ensures that buyers have a clearer understanding of what to expect from their EVs in real-world scenarios. Additionally, Tata Motors has introduced the C75 range, which represents the range that 75% of customers can realistically expect based on historical data.
Industry Reactions
The automotive industry has largely supported the government’s initiative. Tata Motors, for example, has expressed its commitment to transparency by not only adhering to the new MIDC guidelines but also voluntarily sharing the C75 range. This move is expected to set a benchmark for other manufacturers to follow, fostering a more competitive and consumer-friendly market.
Future Implications
As the EV market continues to grow, such regulatory measures are crucial for maintaining consumer trust and promoting sustainable transportation. The government’s decision to mandate public declaration of EV driving ranges is a significant step towards achieving these goals. It ensures that consumers are better informed and can make more confident choices, ultimately driving the adoption of electric vehicles in India.