MoRTH Draft Raises Power Limit for Low-Speed EVs
Science & Tech · 15 Sept 2026 · Source: Internet
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification on 21 August 2026 to amend Rule 2(u) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft proposes a higher motor power limit for low-speed electric vehicles that remain exempt from conventional registration and the Vahan vehicle-registration database.
Under the draft, the permitted motor power for low-speed electric vehicles would rise from 250W, or 0.25 kW, to 600W, or 0.6 kW. The maximum speed limit for these exempted vehicles would remain 25 kilometres per hour. The draft also proposes removal of the existing 60 kg unladen-weight ceiling.
Low-speed electric vehicles covered by the exemption would continue to operate without conventional registration under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft states that such vehicles must meet safety requirements under Annex A of AIS-049. Compliance would be verified through an authorised testing agency under AIS-041.
The electric two-wheeler industry has taken different positions on the proposal. Full-service original equipment manufacturers such as BGauss have viewed the change as a market expansion measure, while Yulu has raised concerns linked to road safety and the removal of the weight limit. Yulu stated on 12 September 2026 that a weight cap is a physical limit, unlike electronic speed controls that can be altered.