Policeman Uses Public Transformer To Charge Tata Nexon.EV: Illegal And Dangerous!
Electric cars are becoming popular even in small towns and cities. DC charging infrastructure is still in the developing phase in many semi-urban and rural areas. A recent video that surfaced online shows an alarming incident- a policeman in uniform plugging an electric vehicle, which seems like a Nexon EV, into a power transformer’s distribution point for charging. This dangerous and illegal act has sparked massive outrage online.
This video is from Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. In it, we see a constable allegedly charging a White Nexon EV from a power pole. It comes with two battery pack options- 30kWh and 45kWh. It is unclear which of these was involved in this case. Also, we don't know if the vehicle belonged to the policeman in the video or someone he knows. The e-SUV doesn't seem to have number plates either.
The cop seems to have plugged the vehicle into the Distribution Point (DP) near a transformer. Locals from the place noticed the ‘unconventional’ act, and someone even filmed it, the footage of which was later shared online. The page that posted this video on Instagram also mentions that it hasn’t been able to confirm the details of this incident.
This act has both legal and safety implications. Let’s talk about some of the possible safety hazards first. Distribution transformers handle extremely high voltages. An electric car has a complex high-voltage electric architecture as its base. Connecting it to the distribution point of a transformer without a proper charging station regulator (which ensures clean sine waves, required for EV chargers) is a huge risk. Any power spike or unprecedented fluctuation could fry the car’s battery management system (BMS), On-board Charger, and may even cause fires.
There can even be risks of fatal electric shocks or arc flash. The current regulations clearly state that EV charging should not be done within 15 metres of transformers. Harmonics and interference created by acts such as this can also damage electronic devices nearby or connected to power lines from the transformer.
Overloading the transformer is another possible hazard. Electric vehicles draw massive, sustained currents. This can cause the transformer to overload if it is already near its capacity. In that case, the fuses may get burnt out or, even worse, the unit may catch fire. In either case, the area will see a power blackout, causing inconvenience to public life.
Now, the legal side of this. According to the Indian Electricity Act, 2003 (Section 135), tapping into a power line or bypassing a meter is a criminal offence. A policeman committing this crime only makes things worse. As the video went viral, people called for an investigation to be initiated against the cop. He may soon face a ‘theft of power’ FIR.
Electricity theft results in revenue loss for the government. Usually, in such offences, first-time offenders may face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of three times the financial gain from the theft, or both. Repeat offenders may face up to five years in prison and a fine of over Rs 1 lakh.
According to reports, the Jaisalmer video has come to the notice of senior police officials and the electricity department (DISCOM). An investigation has reportedly been initiated into the same. The videos shared on social media continue to be the sole basis for the controversy. Details are sparse at the time of writing and are likely to surface in the upcoming weeks.