Do Electric scooters and e-bikes require a PUC certificate?
Do Electric scooters and e-bikes require a PUC certificate?
Published on July 04, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes
It is evident that whenever you are driving a vehicle, be it a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler, it will emit some carbon. PUC depicts this amount of emission. If this emission goes beyond the recommended levels, you need to make certain alterations, to bring it down.
However, with rising consciousness, electric vehicles are gradually becoming the future of the global auto market. These vehicles run on electric power, emitting zero carbon. Now the question arises if PUC for electric bike is necessary or not since there is no concept of carbon emission in these sorts of EVs.
This article clarifies to shed light PUC for electric scooters and cars are necessary or not.
What does an electric vehicle work on?
A typical electrical vehicle gets fuelled using electrical energy that remains stored in the designated battery packs. These batteries power the engine of the concerned electric vehicle.
The fuel mechanism of these EVs also differs from the conventional transports with combustible engines, using either diesel or petrol. EVs are considered futuristic modes of vehicles as they remain independent of any non-renewable energy source.
The principal components of any standard electric vehicle include an electric motor, a control module, an inverter, and a battery pack. Most of the standard electric vehicles utilise lithium-ion batteries. This is because these batteries provide a significant power-to-weight ratio along with considerable energy efficiency.
The principal features of electric vehicles include that they offer significant energy security. Moreover, the average operational costs are far less when compared to any standard conventional vehicle. Besides, these electric vehicles even do not produce any tailpipe emissions.
Why do we need a PUC certificate?
If you own any vehicle, you require to maintain certain specific and updated documents as a legal and authorised owner. This is applicable both for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It includes vehicle insurance, the PUC certificate, the Registration Certificate, etc.
The PUC is a legal certification procedure that is offered to every vehicle which has successfully undergone the PUC test process. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, PUC for electric vehicles is also mandatory in India.
The Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 state that PUC certification is compulsory for every vehicle including emission status of BS-I, BS-II, BS-III as well as BS-IV along with those plying on LPG and CNG. From the date of first registration, you need to carry the recent PUC certificate, the validity of which runs for 1 year.
If you are found to drive your vehicle without a valid pollution under control certificate, you would be prosecuted under Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act. Even if you are driving any vehicle with a PUC certificate but your vehicle is visibly causing pollution, you might be prosecuted under Rule 116 of the Motor Vehicles Act and produce a renewed certificate within a week.
Importance of PUC certificate
The PUC certification procedure confirms the status of the emission of every vehicle, showing if they maintain the standard norms of pollution. A PUC certificate is valid for one year and regularly you need to monitor it to keep it updated. As soon as it lapses, you have to take a second test to renew it.
Each time you drive, you have to carry the latest PUC certificate along with you. PUC is a significant measure targeted to limit unlimited pollution growth.
Do you need a PUC certificate for electric vehicles?
Essentially speaking, EVs do not require a PUC certificate. However, to maintain the legal mandate, you need to follow the norms and undergo the PUC certification procedure:
1. It ensures that the concerned manufacturer has followed and maintained all the legal standards and norms while manufacturing the concerned electric vehicle
2. PUC for electric vehicles specifically mentions that the concerned vehicle is powered by and runs on electrical energy that remains stored in their battery packs, maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. Any standard conventional vehicle that runs on fuel, burns a significant amount of gas, diesel or petrol.
Conclusion
Every electric vehicle is operated by electrical energy that powers the EV engine and makes it drivable. Electrical energy is a clean energy source that is pollution-free and does not cause a carbon footprint on the environment. That is why PUC certificate maintenance is not mandatory for any electric vehicle.
FAQs
1. What is meant by a PUC certificate?
A PUC or Pollution under Control Certificate is duly issued by authorised agencies after a vehicle undergoes a specific testing procedure to detect if its emission limits remain well within the specified limits.
2. Do you need to maintain electric two wheeler insurance even if you maintain an updated PUC certificate?
Yes, you have to maintain both documents mandatorily while driving a two-wheeler maintaining the legal standards. You can easily avail of two wheeler insurance online.
3. Do EVs need a PUC certificate?
No. As electric vehicle use electrical power and never emits any pollutant or smoke into the environment, a PUC certificate for these vehicles is not mandatory.
4. Do I need a PUC certificate for a new car?
A PUC certificate is essential after 1 year from the date of initial registration. Once this tenure expires, you need it mandatorily. One certificate remains valid for 12 months.
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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