Understand BS Norms and the Evolution to BS6

The Bharat Stage (BS) norms are emission standards introduced by the Indian government to regulate the output of air pollutants from vehicles. They play a crucial role in improving air quality and reducing environmental damage caused by vehicular emissions.

These standards, based on the European emission norms, aim to reduce harmful pollutants released from vehicles and improve air quality.

What are BS Norms?

BS norms are akin to the Euro emission standards followed in Europe. They set permissible limits for pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) emitted by vehicles. The higher the stage (e.g., BS4, BS6), the stricter the limits on emissions.The Bharat Stage Norms were first introduced in the year 2000, and the standards have been progressively tightened over the years to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. Currently, the Bharat Stage 6 (BS-VI) norms are being implemented nationwide, representing a significant leap towards cleaner air in the country. The implementation of the BS-VI norms has had a major impact on the automotive industry, requiring manufacturers to make significant investments in technology and R&D to meet the stricter emission requirements.

Current Emission Standards in India

• The current emission standard in India requires that all new cars produced, sold, and registered in India as of April 1, 2020, comply with the BS-VI norms.
• Particulate matter (PM 2.5) emissions from BS-VI engines range from 20 to 40 micrograms per cubic meter.
• The amount of sulphur released into the atmosphere by BS-VI-compliant engines was reduced five times, from 50 ppm to 10 ppm.
• In diesel engines, nitrogen oxide emissions would be reduced by 70%, and in petrol engines, by 25%. Reduced fuel combustion would result in less incomplete fuel combustion-related hydrocarbon emission.
• Three new types of equipment will be fixed in the vehicles by the car manufacturer to reduce emissions:
  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system
  • Lean NOx Trap (LNT)
• Real Driving Emission (RDE) will be introduced in India for the first time to measure a vehicle's emission under real conditions.
• Onboard Diagnostics (OD) has been made compulsory for all automobiles.

Significance of BS-VI Norms

The BS 6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms represent a significant leap in India's efforts to combat air pollution and improve public health.

• The fact that the air quality in Indian cities is getting worse is largely due to vehicle emissions. NOx, SO2, CO2, and particulate matter emissions are negatively impacting people's health. Cities like Delhi have PM2.5 levels more than six times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. These new regulations will drastically lower vehicle emissions
• The difference between diesel and petrol emissions, wherein diesel vehicles are permitted to emit more particulate matter and nitrogen oxide, narrows under the BS-VI norms

Benefits of BS-VI Norms

The BS 6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms represent a significant leap in India's efforts to combat air pollution and improve public health.

• Healthier Air: Reduced vehicle emissions contribute to improved air quality, benefiting public health and reducing respiratory illnesses.
• Environmental Protection: Lower emissions mitigate climate change and protect the environment from harmful pollutants.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency: BS-VI-compliant engines are designed for better fuel combustion, leading to improved fuel economy.
• Economic Growth: BS-VI norms incentivize innovation and technological advancements in the automotive industry.

Will BS-VI OutDate?

All the technologies and emission control measures from earlier Bharat Stage (BS) standards are still present in BS6, but they have been significantly refined and enhanced to meet stricter emission limits. Features such as catalytic converters, fuel injection systems, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, introduced in earlier BS norms, continue to exist in BS6 with advanced versions like diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. Even if newer emission standards like BS7 are introduced, BS6 will still form the foundation, as the fundamental principles of controlling vehicle emissions will remain the same. Moreover, European and American regulatory bodies have already indicated that with current technology, there is limited room for further drastic improvements in emission control.

Conclusion

The implementation of BS 6 norms marks a critical advancement in Indiaʼs fight against air pollution. By significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter, these norms have already contributed to cleaner air and improved public health. The shift towards BS 6 has driven the adoption of advanced vehicle technologies, setting a strong foundation for future environmental policies. Looking ahead, BS 6 lays the groundwork for further advancements in emissions standards, pushing the industry towards more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.