Apr 14, 2025
Electric Vehicle Charging Standards & Connector Types: A Simple Guide
Kavita Jadhav
This simple guide helps builders, project owners and businesses understand electric vehicle charging standards, different EV charging connector types, and basic charger safety. It also covers how to prepare for possible EV charger repairs.
Why EV Charging Standards Are Important
Standards are rules that help keep things safe and working properly. For EV chargers, these standards make sure:
Chargers work safely and don't harm users or vehicles.
Chargers match with different kinds of EV cars.
Buildings follow government rules.
Buildings stay modern and useful for a long time.
Without following these electric vehicle charging standards, chargers might become unsafe or outdated.
Common EV Charging Connector Types in India
Different EV cars use different types of plugs or connectors. Projects must pick connectors that work with most EV cars today and in the future.
Here are common EV charging connector types used in India:
Connector Type | Charging Type | Where It’s Used | Cars it Supports |
Type 2 (AC) | Slow Charging | Homes, offices | All electric cars sold in India |
CCS2 (DC) | Fast Charging | Public areas, highways | All electric cars, trucks & buses sold in India |
Bharat AC001 | Slow Charging | Basic, low-power setups | Older electric cars, e-scooters / bikes |
Bharat DC001 | Medium-Fast Charging | Public areas, some roads | Older electric cars |
Projects should choose connectors like Type 2 and CCS2, as they are most common and future-friendly.
Simple Guide to EV Charger Standards & Specifications
To set up good EV charging stations, you need to know these basic things:
Specification | Meaning | Why It Matters |
Power (kW) | Speed of charging | Helps you decide how fast cars can charge |
Voltage & Current | Electric power details | Matches building electrical infrastructure to avoid problems |
Ingress Protection Rating (IP) | Weather & dust resistance | Protects chargers installed outdoors |
Impact Protection Rating (IK) | Toughness | Keeps chargers safe in busy places |
Mounting Type | How it’s installed (wall/pedestal) | Fits well with your parking design |
Communication | Smart control features | Helps users manage charging easily |
Certification (BIS, ARAI) | Safety approval | Makes sure chargers follow safety rules |
Important Safety Features Every EV Charger Should Have
Safety always comes first. Good chargers should have these safety features:
Over Current Protection – Stops damage from too much electricity.
Over / Under Voltage Protection - Stops charging if input voltage is outside the safe range.
Surge Protection – Protects charger & EV from sudden electrical spikes.
Short Circuit Protection – Safely shuts off power during problems with the electrical supply or switchgear.
Ground Fault Protection – Stops charging if electricity leaks or if ground wire is disconnected.
Overtemperature Protection – Shuts down if charger or the connecter get too hot.
Communication Fault Detection - Takes required action if communication with EV fails.
Internal Checks - Takes required action if the charger detects any internal fault with a component, such as relay weld or isolation failure.
Plug-Out Protection – Stops charging when plug is removed.
Knowing these safety points also helps in planning better EV charger repairs if problems ever occur.
Important Indian EV Charger Standards to Follow
Builders must follow these main electric vehicle charging standards in India:
Bharat AC001/DC001 – India’s early basic charger standards.
IS 17017 (Parts 1–24) – India's main EV charger standard (like international IEC standards).
ARAI & BIS Certification – Official approval needed for chargers in India.
OCPP Protocol – Smart charger communication to manage charging online.
Key Points to Remember
Follow government-approved EV charger standards to keep things safe and legal.
Pick connectors that most EV cars can use now and in the future.
Make safety your top priority when installing chargers.