MoRTH Expected To Launch Probe Into Secunderabad EV Fire – Report

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) could get involved in the latest EV-related fire incident that occurred on Monday night. The incident claimed the lives of 8 people after a fire that broke out in the underground lot of a e-scooter dealership spread to the hotel located on the upper levels.

As per a report, the MoRTH could launch a probe into the incident once the cause of the fire has been established. The fire involved scooters from Greater Noida-based EV firm Gemopai Electric.

Also see: Electric Scooter Showroom Fire In Secunderabad Claims 8 Lives

It however remains to be seen what actions could be undertaken by the MoRTH if it conducts a probe into the fire. Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had previously said that the government could fine companies and mandate recalls if the manufacturers were deemed to be negligent in their processes.

The dealership fire was the latest in a line of EV fires reported across the country in the past year.

Also see: Government Announces Additional Battery Safety Norms From October 1

The incident follows a spate of electric vehicle related fires from a number of EV manufacturers in the past year. The incidents have pushed the government to introduce new safety standard with the MoRTH only earlier this month introducing new battery safety norms. The new norms, set to come into force from October 1, call for more stringent safety requirements for the batteries, battery management systems and on-board chargers.

Also see: India Plans To Penalise Companies, Mandate Recalls After EV Fires - Report

Also in the works are new Conformity of Production (COP) measures for traction batteries used in electric vehicles. The government issued a draft notification for the same in late August this year.

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