Uniform safety standards for EVs

Current Context: The government is to set uniform safety standards and testing of electric vehicles from April1.

• Amid concerns over fire incidents in electric vehicles, the government is looking forward to implementing a new set of guidelines for testing electric vehicles.
• The Automotive Research Association of India will set up the required infrastructure for the process of testing, certification, and the development of electric as well as hybrid vehicles.
• There is no single standard for electric vehicles but the ministry has proposed to put it forward.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also released additional safety guidelines in this regard.
• Bureau of Indian Standards has earlier issued performance norms for lithium-ion battery packs and traction systems.
• Updated guidelines will be in consonance with International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
• Static part- Electric vehicles usually use lithium-ion batteries, other main types of batteries include nickel-metal hydride and solid state.

Question:

Q.1 On which category of vehicles the new testing standards will apply?
a. Fuel-based vehicles
b. Electric vehicles
c. Hybrid vehicles
d. Electric and hybrid vehicles