Featured by Bolt.Earth
India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is entering a decisive phase. One defined not just by how many chargers are installed, but by how well they work together. As adoption accelerates, interoperability, or the ability of EVs to charge seamlessly across networks, has become the cornerstone shaping India’s electric future.
The Need for a Unified Charging Experience
For most EV users, the biggest pain point isn’t finding a charger—it’s finding one that works for their vehicle or payment app. Today’s networks differ in connectors, communication systems, and billing models, creating unnecessary friction. Interoperability solves this by ensuring any EV can connect to any charger, using a common communication protocol and a single payment method.
India’s Current Standard Landscape
India has adopted a multi-standard model to balance affordability and global compatibility.
- 17017-025 and 17017-031 are applicable (L Category) for low voltage 2 and 3 wheelers
- Unified framework (IS 17017): In India the BIS has integrated both the indigenous Bharat standards and international protocols like CCS2 in the Unified framework
The Ministry of Power’s 2024 guidelines and the 2025 battery-swapping policy emphasize standardized operations, open access, and safety compliance, setting the stage for large-scale interoperability.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite policy alignment, fragmentation persists:
- Connector diversity: The Bharat DC‑001 and CCS2 charging-connector systems target different voltage/platform ranges and vehicle segments in India and are not directly interchangeable. At present, even with adapter devices, interoperability is not guaranteed unless the adapter and system have been explicitly certified for that vehicle-charger pairing.
- Software gaps: Many operators do not fully comply with OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) standards, leading to inconsistent charger-network communication and limited interoperability across platforms.
- Payment silos: Each network often requires its own app, deterring convenience-driven users.
The Shift Towards Interoperability
Encouragingly, the market is responding. Network operators and startups are building middleware platforms that enable cross-network access.
UPI integration is emerging as a preferred route for simplified, universal payments. Together with the policy push for open standards, these steps point toward a unified charging ecosystem.
The Way Forward: A Four-Point Roadmap
Experts suggest a pragmatic roadmap:
- Mandate OCPP compliance and promote OCPI for seamless roaming.
- Integrate UPI-based payments across all public chargers.
- Retain dual-standard hardware; “Retain dual charging standards in India — one for low-voltage systems used in light EVs and another for high-voltage systems used in passenger and fleet vehicles — given the distinct use cases and operational requirements. (Note: The ISO 17017 series applies to charging standards, while AIS-156 and AIS-038 pertain to batteries and powertrains.)”
- Certify adapters to ensure safety and performance consistency. To ensure safety, performance consistency, and interoperability across charging infrastructure, certified Type 6 ↔ Type 7 adapters must be developed and validated under national standards (BIS/ARAI) for both AC and DC charging applications.
Powering India’s EV Future
Interoperability is no longer a technical luxury; it’s a national infrastructure priority.
A unified, open charging network will enhance utilization, attract private investment, and make EV adoption as effortless as refueling a petrol car.
As India positions itself as a global EV manufacturing hub, interoperability may well become the silent engine driving its electric revolution.
