The Ministry of Highway Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Autos Guidelines, 1989, introducing stricter laws for e-rickshaw and e-cart producers. The proposed guidelines purpose to boost security, standardize manufacturing processes, and mandate lithium-ion batteries for all such autos.
Key highlights of the draft guidelines
Most Velocity Restrict:
The velocity of e-rickshaws and e-carts shall be capped at 25 km/hour. The check shall be performed on a flat street in unladen situation, with most velocity measured over a 50-meter distance.
Certification and Audit:
From April 1, 2026, all producers should bear necessary certification and audits of their manufacturing and meeting services as a part of the kind approval course of.
Producers holding a sound IATF or equal certification will bear doc verification solely.
Lithium-Ion Batteries Obligatory:
Beginning April 1, 2027, all newly manufactured e-rickshaws and e-carts have to be fitted with lithium-ion battery packs assembly AIS-156 (Half 1 & 2) efficiency necessities.
Lowered Health Certificates Validity:
The validity of the health certificates for all transport autos, together with e-rickshaws and e-carts, shall be decreased from three years to 1 12 months.
Rule Modifications:
Inclusion of e-rickshaws and e-carts beneath guidelines 100 and 101 for security and sort approval compliance.
Modifications in rule 117 to exclude these autos from the 30 km/h velocity reference.
Introduction of rule 125-R, specifying necessary audits for high quality management in manufacturing services.
Timeline:
April 1, 2026: Certification, audits, and revised guidelines come into power.
April 1, 2027: Lithium-ion battery compliance necessary.
Public Suggestions Invited
The federal government has invited options and objections from stakeholders inside 30 days of the draft’s publication within the Gazette of India. Submissions might be despatched to the Extra Secretary (MVL, Transport & Highway Security), Ministry of Highway Transport and Highways, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Road, New Delhi – 110001, or through electronic mail at comments-morth@gov.in.
As soon as finalized, these shall be notified because the Central Motor Autos (Modification) Guidelines, 2025, efficient from their publication within the Official Gazette.
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