Government drafts new rules for electric rickshaw and Electric cart manufacturers lithium ion batteries mandatory from 2027

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, introducing stricter regulations for e-rickshaw and e-cart manufacturers. The proposed rules aim to enhance safety, standardize manufacturing processes, and mandate lithium-ion batteries for all such vehicles.

Key highlights of the draft rules

Maximum Speed Limit:

The speed of e-rickshaws and e-carts will be capped at 25 km/hour. The test will be conducted on a flat road in unladen condition, with maximum speed measured over a 50-meter distance.

Certification and Audit:

From April 1, 2026, all manufacturers must undergo mandatory certification and audits of their production and assembly facilities as part of the type approval process.

Manufacturers holding a valid IATF or equivalent certification will undergo document verification only.

Lithium-Ion Batteries Mandatory:

Starting April 1, 2027, all newly manufactured e-rickshaws and e-carts must be fitted with lithium-ion battery packs meeting AIS-156 (Part 1 & 2) performance requirements.

Reduced Fitness Certificate Validity:

The validity of the fitness certificate for all transport vehicles, including e-rickshaws and e-carts, will be reduced from three years to one year.

Rule Changes:

Inclusion of e-rickshaws and e-carts under rules 100 and 101 for safety and type approval compliance.

Changes in rule 117 to exclude these vehicles from the 30 km/h speed reference.

Introduction of rule 125-R, specifying mandatory audits for quality control in manufacturing facilities.

Timeline:

April 1, 2026: Certification, audits, and revised rules come into force.

April 1, 2027: Lithium-ion battery compliance mandatory.

Public Feedback Invited

The government has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within 30 days of the draft’s publication in the Gazette of India. Submissions can be sent to the Additional Secretary (MVL, Transport & Road Safety), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110001, or via email at comments-morth@gov.in.

Once finalized, these will be notified as the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025, effective from their publication in the Official Gazette.