Draft Building Code Restrictions on Basement EV Charging Pose Challenge to India’s 2030 EV Targets – EQ
In Short : India’s EV adoption target of 30% by 2030 may face regulatory hurdles due to draft amendments in the National Building Code. The provisions restrict basement EV charging to mitigate fire risks, allowing it only in limited, compartmentalized spaces. Experts warn this could slow urban EV adoption, urging balanced regulations that ensure safety while promoting infrastructure growth and clean mobility.
In Detail : India’s goal of achieving 30% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2030 may face challenges due to proposed amendments in the National Building Code (NBC). The draft rules restrict EV parking and charging in basements, citing fire safety concerns. This change could have significant implications for urban areas where basement parking is prevalent.
Under the draft provisions, EV charging is permitted only at ground level or, in some cases, within the first basement in compartmentalized spaces not exceeding 200 square meters. Experts caution that these limits may hinder the rollout of charging infrastructure in metropolitan cities.
India’s EV market has expanded rapidly in recent years. Annual sales rose from 50,000 units in 2016 to over 2 million in 2024. The country now hosts 5.45 million EVs, approximately 9% of the global total, though EVs still constitute only 7.66% of total vehicles.
Proponents of the amendments argue that restricting basement charging addresses fire safety concerns, highlighting the potential risks associated with high-capacity EV batteries in enclosed spaces. The intent is to protect residents and reduce hazards in densely populated areas.
Critics, however, suggest the draft overlooks global evidence that EVs can be safely charged in basements with proper safeguards. They advocate for technology-based safety standards, targeted risk mitigation, and more flexible approaches that do not impede EV adoption.
The proposed restrictions could discourage both consumers and developers, slowing the expansion of EV infrastructure. Experts emphasize the need for regulations that balance safety with the promotion of clean mobility and the country’s broader environmental objectives.
In response, stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, and safety experts are engaging in discussions to identify workable solutions. These deliberations aim to create standards that protect users without compromising the pace of EV infrastructure deployment.
The debate underscores the importance of aligning building codes with the evolving requirements of sustainable urban mobility. As India transitions to cleaner transportation, regulations must support safe, scalable, and convenient charging solutions for EV owners.
