Earlier this month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, sent notices to Pure EV and Boom Motors after their e-scooters exploded in April
New Delhi:
Serious defects have been found in the batteries, including the design of the battery pack and the modules of the EV which were involved in the fire incidents. This was disclosed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) which was tasked to probe the incidents by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
According to sources familiar with the matter, these defects occur because electric two-wheeler makers such as Okinawa Autotech, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, Ola Electric and Boom Motors have used “low-grade materials to cut costs”. might have done.
The Center for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) at DRDO has submitted its fact-finding report to the ministry, as first reported business standard,
According to sources, the ministry has now summoned the representatives of these EV manufacturers and asked them to clarify on the findings of the DRDO report.
Earlier this month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, sent notices to Pure EV and Boom Motors after their e-scooters exploded in April.
The consumer watchdog is investigating more cases of e-scooters catching fire and will issue similar notices to other EV manufacturers.
Ola Electric, Jitendra EV and Okinawa Autotech along with Pure EV and Boom Motors have recalled defective batches following EV fire incidents.
Preliminary findings of a government-constituted inquiry committee on EV fires have identified issues with the battery cell or design in almost all electric two-wheeler fire incidents in the country.
The committee was formed in the wake of EV catching fire and battery blast in e-scooters.
Experts found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in almost all EV fires.
The government is now working on new quality-focused guidelines for electric vehicles, which will be unveiled soon.
At least 12 electric two-wheelers have exploded so far and several EV manufacturers have recalled defective batches amid mounting pressure from the government.