BIS clarified that the draft is presently advisory, not binding, and regional authorities can permit charging at their discretion.|Image Credit:
The arrangements of the draft National Building Code, which restrict charging of Electric Vehicles(EVs )listed below the ground flooring in domestic and industrial structures, are most likely to prevent the adoption of EVs amongst customers.
Market gamers and EV users informed businessline that such expensive policies can restrict the adoption of EVs in the nation, and policymakers should take a more well balanced technique towards security.
According to the Draft National Building Code (NBC) under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), “charging points for EVs will not be allowed listed below the ground level; and when allowed the exact same will be limited to very first basement and be of the slow/trickle charge type.”
The draft, which was revealed for feedback in April of this year, mentions that EV parking is finest prepared outdoors in well-ventilated locations or in different parking structures in the air level having naturally cross-ventilated sides.
Obstruction in Adoption
Vivek Samynathan, CEO of Plugzmart, keeps in mind that limiting EV charging in all basements might restrict availability and impede the advancement of practical city charging networks, especially in cities where most parking is underground.
He included that a more well balanced technique would consist of correct security styles like wise battery chargers, load management and seclusion functions, in addition to mandating making use of UL/CE/ARAI-certified devices and real-time tracking systems.
ICE fires most likely
Karthikeyan Palanisamy, Co-Founder & & CEO at Zeon Charging, declares that the concept of EVs being a fire risk compared to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) lorries is anecdotal and not backed by research study proof. “In reality, data reveal that ICE automobile fires are 20 times most likely than EV fires. If you are prohibiting EV parking, you must likewise be prohibiting the parking of ICE vehicles,” he stated.
He included that the most practical thing about owning an EV is the capability to charge at home. “If you limit this with unneeded guidelines, the entire ownership experience of an EV significantly boils down, triggering less individuals to purchase them.”
Dimple Champawat, who owns a 4-wheeler EV, keeps in mind that many property structures do not have outlets for home battery chargers on the ground flooring, and even less have actually committed outside areas for EV parking. In regards to business areas, she keeps in mind that while more complexes continue to have basement charging stations, there has actually been a growing variety of outside battery chargers, specifically in shopping centers.
In addition to the charging and parking constraints, the draft likewise advises active and passive precaution like mist sprinkler and swimming pool systems, fire-rated walls, fire and smoke drapes and other systems.
ArunKumar Saravanan, Director (Civil Engineering) & & Head (NBC Unit), BIS, clarified that the intent of the draft is not to enforce a blanket restriction or limit public charging networks however to guarantee more secure charging environments. “Our objective is to support the development of EV charging facilities while keeping fire security and other dangers in mind,” he stated.
No commitment to follow
Saravanan included that, presently, the draft has actually not been embraced as a nationwide requirement however rather works as an advisory for regional authorities. “For now the arrangements are not binding, and it depends on the regional authorities to allow charging according to their discretion,” he stated.
He included that the department has actually gotten feedback from charging market gamers and other professionals and is examining the proposed modifications.
Released on October 21, 2025
