Electric Vehicle Conductive Charging Systems Indian Standards (IS 17017 Series)
Introduction
The adoption of electric vehicles in India is accelerating, and with it, the need for standardized charging infrastructure. To address interoperability, safety, and performance, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formulated the IS 17017 series, harmonized largely with IEC 61851 and IEC 62196 standards. These standards govern the design, installation, operation, and compatibility of EV conductive charging systems across different charging modes and connectors.
General Requirements – IS 17017 (Part 1) : 2018
This forms the backbone of the EV charging ecosystem in India. It covers:
- Supply voltage up to 1,000 V ACor 1,500 V DC.
- Applicability to all electric road vehicles, including plug-in hybrids.
- Defines electrical safety, connection specifications, and operating conditions for EV supply equipment.
- Excludes trolley buses, off-road vehicles, and EMC aspects of onboard equipment.
Plugs, Sockets, Connectors & Vehicle Inlets – IS 17017 (Part 2)
This part defines the interfaces between the vehicle and the charging infrastructure:
- General Requirements (Sec 1, 2020)
- Applies to plugs, sockets, connectors, and inlets up to 690 V AC/250 Aand 1,500 V DC/200 A.
- Specifies ambient conditions (-25°C to 55°C), conductor types, and modes of charging.
- Dimensional Compatibility for AC Pin & Contact Tube Accessories (Sec 2, 2020)
- Standardizes sizes for AC connectors up to 415 V AC, 70 A single phase / 63 A three-phase.
- Dimensional Compatibility for DC & AC/DC Couplers (Sec 3, 2020)
- Covers high-power charging: up to 1,500 V DC/250 Aand 1,000 V AC/250 A.Section 6 (2021) – Specialized DC couplers for equipment relying on electrical separation for protection.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – IS 17017 (Part 21)
Since EV charging involves high-power electronics, electromagnetic compatibility is crucial.
- On-Board Chargers (Sec 1, 2019)
- Identical to IEC 61851-21-1.
- Defines EMC requirements for vehicle-side chargers, ensuring they do not interfere with other systems.
- Off-Board Chargers (Sec 2, 2019)
- Identical to IEC 61851-21-2.
- Specifies immunity and emission limits for public charging stations.
AC Charging for Light EVs – IS 17017 (Part 22/Sec 1 : 2021)
- Dedicated to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and quadricycles.
- Introduces the “one box, one connector” concept with provisions for:
- Energy metering, communication, and billing.
- Installation at shops, residential complexes, and parking areas.
DC Fast Charging & Communication Standards
- IS 17017 (Part 23)– Specifies requirements for DC EV supply equipment (Mode 4).
- IS 17017 (Part 24) : 2021– Defines digital communication between EV and DC supply equipment for charging control.
- Uses CAN (ISO 11898)and Home Plug Green PHY (IEEE 1901)
- Enables Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) communication via ISO 15118.
Importance of IS 17017 Series
- Safety: Prevents electrical hazards and ensures protection during charging.
- Interoperability: Standardized connectors and communication allow cross-compatibility between vehicles and chargers.
- Scalability: Supports a range from two-wheelers to high-power four-wheeler fast charging.
- Future-readiness: Provisions for digital communication and V2G enable integration into smart grids.
Conclusion
The IS 17017 series is India’s comprehensive regulatory backbone for EV charging systems. By aligning with international norms while addressing Indian conditions, it ensures safe, reliable, and future-ready charging infrastructure. As EV adoption grows, these standards will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s sustainable mobility ecosystem.
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