New Safety Standards Proposed for Electric Construction Equipment

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed new, stricter safety standards for electric powertrain construction equipment vehicles, including dumpers and excavators. The amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 aim to promote electric vehicles in various sectors. Consultations on these draft rules are open until the specified deadline.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has outlined plans for tighter safety standards for electric powertrain construction equipment vehicles, such as dumpers and excavators, effective from October 1, 2024.

In a draft notification, the ministry proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, aiming to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles across multiple sectors.

''Effective October 1, 2024, electric powertrain construction equipment must adhere to AIS-174 requirements until corresponding BIS specifications are officially issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016,'' the draft legislation stated.

Currently, electric and hybrid powertrains are already being integrated into construction equipment vehicles.

Public comments and suggestions regarding these draft rules will be considered by the central government before the finalization of the regulation.

(With inputs from agencies.)