New draft norms for retro-fitment of electric kit in vehicles

In another step aimed at curbing pollution, the government has come out with new draft norms for retro-fitment of electric kits in diesel vehicles that provides such fittings only by authorised installers.
The Road Transport and Highways Ministry, in its draft notification, has said that retro-fitment of hybrid electric system kit to vehicles not exceeding 3,500 kgs would be permitted if the same has not been retrofitted earlier.
Such permission is proposed if "it (vehicle) conforms to Bharat Stage II or subsequent emission norms... It is fuelled by either gasoline or diesel fuel" and not by any other alternate fuel, the Ministry said in the notification inviting suggestions from people within a month.

Mass emission standards for vehicles so retrofitted shall be the same as prevalent for corresponding petrol or diesel vehicles as applicable for year of manufacture of that vehicle, it said.
"The installation of type approved hybrid electric system kit shall be done only by an installer authorised by the hybrid electric system kit manufacturer or supplier," it added.
For retro-fitment of kits in vehicles of more than 3,500 kgs, the conditions, among others, include "it is not provided with permits for carrying dangerous or hazardous goods as defined in CMV Rules, 1989".

Besides, to minimise accidents, the government has proposed mandatory fitting of such headlights by two-wheeler manufacturers which automatically switch on when the engine is running.

"The timeline provided for this is April 1, 2017", a senior Road Transport official told PTI.
The manufacturers are demanding extension of the deadline to April 1, 2018 but the government is firm on its stand, he said.
The government also plans to make it mandatory for all two-wheelers to fit anti-lock braking system (ABS) and combined braking system (CBS) by April 2019.
The move follows a high number of accidents due to two-wheelers.