Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) Emission Standards

Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emission standards are a set of regulations implemented by the Indian government to control the emission of air pollutants from internal combustion engines in motor vehicles. These standards aim to reduce air pollution and align India’s emission norms with international standards. Here’s a detailed look at BSVI emission standards and their impact on various aspects.

Key Features of BSVI Emission Standards

1. Stricter Emission Limits
   • Reduced NOx Emissions: BSVI norms require a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, with diesel engines needing to cut NOx by about 70% compared to BSIV norms.
   • Lower Particulate Matter (PM): The standards impose stricter limits on particulate matter, mandating the reduction of fine particles emitted by vehicles.
   • Reduced Hydrocarbons and Carbon Monoxide: There are also more stringent regulations on the emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).
2. Advanced Technology
   • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Diesel vehicles often use SCR technology to reduce NOx emissions by injecting a urea-based solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust.
   • Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF): These filters capture and store exhaust soot to reduce particulate emissions.
   • Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF): Similar to DPF, these filters are used in petrol vehicles to reduce particulate emissions.
   • Onboard Diagnostics (OBD): Enhanced OBD systems monitor emission control systems’ performance and provide real-time data to ensure compliance with emission standards.
3. Fuel Quality: BSVI standards necessitate higher-quality fuel with lower sulfur content. BSVI-compliant fuel contains only 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur, compared to 50 ppm in BSIV fuel. This low sulfur content is crucial for the effectiveness of advanced emission control technologies.
4. Environmental Impact:
   • The implementation of BSVI norms is expected to result in a significant reduction in vehicular emissions, contributing to improved air quality and public health.
   • BSVI standards are equivalent to Euro VI standards, making Indian vehicles more environmentally friendly and aligning with global emission norms.
5. Implementation
   • Timeline: The BSVI norms were implemented on April 1, 2020, across India, skipping the BS V stage entirely and transitioning directly from BSIV to BSVI.
   • Compliance: All new vehicles sold after this date must comply with BSVI standards, and existing vehicles had to be upgraded to meet the new norms.

Challenges

1. Cost Increase: The advanced technology required for BSVI compliance can lead to higher manufacturing costs, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher vehicle prices.
2. Technical Upgradation: Automakers had to invest significantly in research and development to upgrade their engines and emission control systems to meet BSVI standards.

Overall Impact

BSVI vehicles represent a significant advancement in reducing vehicular pollution in India. They help improve air quality, align the country with international emission standards, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.