High Voltage Safety Considerations for Indian EVs 2022-28-0103

India is witnessing a rapid growth in electric vehicles employing higher voltages thus highlighting the need for isolation management and electrical safety considerations. At the same time, there is a need for increased awareness towards protection measures against electric shock hazards. This paper introduces high voltage starting with definitions and physiological effects of electrical shock hazard from alternating or direct currents. This paper provides contemporary views on the regulatory and standardization landscape around isolation management. High voltage safety considerations in Indian context are categorized into electric powertrain and rechargeable electrical energy storage system specific requirements. Protection schemes against isolation faults in various earthing systems are described. The need for insulation monitoring device with regards to electric vehicle specific earthing scheme is highlighted. State of the art techniques used in the industry towards high voltage safety are presented. Requirements for isolation monitoring devices are specified. Views about gaps in the present regulations are shared. In conclusion, passive and active isolation monitoring device implementations are compared and merits of continuous isolation monitoring are highlighted.