“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

For the safe and effective Functioning of the EV Charging Stations (EVCS) the following guidelines must be followed:

1. Charging station installed by housing societies, malls, residential, multi-storey buildings and office complexes, restaurants, hotels, etc. provided that such stations meet the technical, Safety as well as performance standards and protocols laid down by Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for connectivity of the Distributed Generation Resources) Amendment Regulations 2019 and Central Electricity Authority (Measures related to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations 2019) Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006 and Directives issued from Urban Local Bodies Time to time.
2. All the electrical installation work for the charging station shall be carried out by the Licensed Electrical Contractor approved by the state government of Maharashtra.
3. Where multiple chargers are in use, there should be clear and prominent notices at each charging point indicating for which equipment or vehicle(s) i.e., AC or DC is suitable.
4. Where rapid charging points – known as DC fast charge and operating at 500V DC – are provided, they should be clearly differentiated from conventional charging points because of the hazards associated with the direct current. Measures should be taken to ensure that signs and labels associated with these chargers are not removed or defaced.
5. Where charging points are to be provided in multi storey car parks, consideration should be given to locating these in the open air at roof deck level to minimize potential for fire spread within the structure.
6. All electric vehicle charging points shall be installed so that any socket-outlet of supply is at least 800 millimetres above the Highest Flood level.
7. The electric vehicle parking place shall be such that the connection on the vehicle when parked for charging shall be within five meters from the electric vehicle charging point.
8. The charging point should be child-proof and preferably installed away from any children’s play area.
9. Charging bays should be signed and marked prominently on the ground to allow vehicles to park close to the charging point and prevent the stretching of charging cables. The length of charging cables should be sufficient to allow their use with the intended equipment without risk of damage.
10. Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles. They should be installed above ground level and be located on a raised island, or be protected by kerbs, bollards, or metal barriers. Charging points should also be protected against the ingress of water and foreign objects.
11. The parking of other vehicles in charging areas should be prohibited. In some cases, the introduction of barriers or other physical measures to prevent charging bays being used as conventional parking spaces, may need to be considered.
12. Where it is not practicable to provide this degree of physical separation of a vehicle charging area within a building as mentioned above (and outside the premises), no charging should be undertaken within 10m of any combustible materials: be they waste materials, stock, or combustible elements of the structure. Similarly, no charging should be undertaken within 15m of hazardous installations such as transformers, flammable liquid stores and liquefied petroleum gas tanks.
13. All chargers and associated equipment should be installed, used, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Servicing and maintenance should be carried out by a competent licensed electrician.
14. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) shall be type tested by an agency /lab accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) or any other regulatory authority for this purpose from time to time.
15. Where the connection point is installed outdoors, or in a damp location, the equipment shall have a degree of Ingress Protection Code) in accordance with IS/IEC 60529.

Along with the guidelines, general safety provisions related to e-scooterss/ bicycle were also released:

1. While it is recognised that the users of this equipment have mobility difficulties, in blocks or flats and similar accommodation, e-scooters should not be taken to floors / individual flats for charging purpose.
2. Wherever possible, e-scooters should be parked and charged in locations away from harms-way and open to sky locations, designed for this purpose.
3. E-scooters should not be left parked in escape routes where they may form a fire hazard, or an obstruction in the event of the building being evacuated.
4. Where a dedicated e-scooter storage area is not provided, it is preferable for e-scooters to be charged during the day rather than at night, when people may be asleep in the building. Where this is not practicable, the process should be started manually and monitored for a short period before being left to operate unattended.
5. Where portable chargers are in use for e-scooters in commercial premises, they should be inspected periodically.
6. The batteries of e-scooters should not be covered by blankets or similar insulating materials when being charged.
7. For the e-scooters/ bicycles with detachable/portable batteries owner shall not use household 15A/3 pin switch sockets for EV charging purpose. Dedicated EV Charger confirming to relevant standards shall be installed and used for the said purpose.