Expert panel to probe EV fires; heavy penalty on erring companies: Gadkari

After several incidents of electric two-wheelers catching fire, the Government of India (GoI) has constituted an expert committee to probe the accidents and if any company is found “negligent”, heavy fines will be imposed.

On Thursday evening (April 21), Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari took to Twitter to announce the government’s measures to investigate the mishaps involving electric vehicles. He called the EV fire mishaps “most unfortunate”.

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“Several mishaps involving Electric Two Wheelers have come to light in last two months. It is most unfortunate that some people have lost their lives and several have been injured in these incidents,” Gadkari began in a series of tweets.

We have constituted an Expert Committee to enquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps.

Based on the reports, we will issue necessary orders on the defaulting companies. We will soon issue quality-centric guidelines for Electric Vehicles.

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 21, 2022

He added, “We have constituted an Expert Committee to enquire into these incidents and make recommendations on remedial steps. Based on the reports, we will issue necessary orders on the defaulting companies. We will soon issue quality-centric guidelines for Electric Vehicles.”

Also read: Why electric scooters could catch fire, and how you can avoid that

Gadkari has sent a strong message to electric vehicle manufacturing companies.

“If any company is found negligent in their processes, a heavy penalty will be imposed and a recall of all defective vehicles will also be ordered,” he said.

He urged companies to recall defective EVs immediately and added that the Narendra Modi government is committed to ensuring safety of EV users.

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“Meanwhile companies may take advance action to Recall all defective batches of vehicles immediately. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, our government is committed to ensure safety of each and every commuter,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile companies may take advance action to Recall all defective batches of vehicles immediately. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, our government is committed to ensure safety of each and every commuter.

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 21, 2022

The government’s response comes after several reports of electric two-wheelers catching fire. Videos of EVs catching fire were widely shared on social media.