India's transportation industry is rapidly moving toward electric vehicles (EVs), driven largely by growing demand in the two-wheeler segment. To guarantee a seamless experience for EV users, this transition must be paired with standardized fast-charging connector types.
In India, efforts to establish a standardized charging network for electric two-wheelers are underway, with two EV charging connector types leading the way: Type 6 and Type 7.
Type 6 Connectors
The Type 6 connector is gaining increasing traction among India's leading EV manufacturers. It is featured in prominent models like the Ola S1 Pro, Tork Kratos R, Ultraviolette F77, and Simple One.
Endorsed by the Bharat Charge Alliance (BCA), this standard-often called Dash-6 (IEC 62196-6)-represents a stronger approach to fast-charging infrastructure. Ola, a major player in the electric two-wheeler space, has already set up around 200 charging stations across over 50 locations, with plans for rapid expansion.
Similarly, Ultraviolette offers a portable boost charger as an add-on, while Tork has rolled out its T-Net fast-charging network. The widespread adoption of Type 6 connectors by these manufacturers suggests it is well-positioned to become the industry standard for rapid charging in electric two-wheelers.
Type 7 Connectors
Meanwhile, the Type 7 connector has emerged as a key player in the fast-charging landscape, most notably through Ather Energy's open-source design. Ather Energy, a significant player in the electric vehicle market, developed a unified charging standard for light electric vehicles (LEVs). This groundbreaking initiative is a milestone for India's EV sector, with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) officially designating it as IS17017.
The IS17017 standard integrates both AC and DC charging functions, providing up to 7.7 kW for AC charging and up to 12 kW for DC fast charging. Beyond enhancing charging infrastructure, this versatile connector design simplifies the development of new products by manufacturers.
Hero MotoCorp's adoption of this EV charging connector design is a key development for Ather Energy, as their fast-charging network and first model, the Vida V1, have contributed to expanding the country's vehicle charging infrastructure.
Adoption by Other EV Manufacturers
The acceptance of IS17017 as a standard charging specification is a significant step for India's EV industry, with most manufacturers and charge point operators adopting Type 7 connectors. Ather Energy itself is part of this trend, and experts anticipate the practice will spread across the sector.
As more manufacturers align with a single standard, the convenience of the charging infrastructure will improve significantly. At the same time, major players like Ola, Tork, and Ultraviolette back Type 6 connectors, indicating broad support for standardized fast-charging solutions overall.
Final Thoughts
The standardization of EV charging connector types-specifically Type 6 and Type 7-signifies India's move toward electric mobility. This will ensure charging stations are compatible with all types of electric vehicles, making it simpler for users to charge their vehicles wherever they are. Collaboration across companies is crucial to boosting the popularity and accessibility of electric vehicles across India.
If you'd like to explore this topic in more depth or have questions, feel free to reach out to us at Senku. We're always excited to discuss the latest advancements in the electric vehicle industry.
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