Decoding the difference: BSIV vs. BSVI engine standards

Air pollution is a significant concern in India, especially in densely populated urban cities. With the growing demand for vehicles, emissions are also one of the major reasons for the pollution. Engine standards can play a pivotal role in controlling vehicle emissions and reducing environmental impact. Engine standards can put limits on emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

However, pollution control from automobiles involves a multi-faceted approach with clean transportation technology, stricter emission standards, and more. The Central Government has also mandated every automobile manufacturer to manufacture, sell, and register vehicles having BS6 (BSVI) engine standards starting from 1st April 2020. This article gives information on the BS6 (BSVI) engine standard and the difference between the BS4 (BSIV) and BS6(BSVI) engine standards.

What are BS4 (BSIV) and BS6(BSVI) engine standards?

BS4 (BSIV) and BS6 (BSVI) are the emission standards or engine standards implemented by the Government of India to regulate vehicle emissions, including cars.

BS4 (BSIV)

BS4 stands for Bharat Stage 4 standards, which was introduced in India in 2017, April for all the new vehicles. The limit was set on emissions of harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides from vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines.

BS6 (BSVI)

BS6 full form is Bharat Stage 6 standards, which is equivalent to Euro 6 standards. This was implemented effective from 1st April 2020 in India for all the new vehicles. BS6 standard was implemented to reduce vehicle emissions with more stringent limits on harmful pollutant emissions from the vehicle. Advanced emission control technologies such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction are used in vehicles with BS6 engine standards to meet the stringent emission standards.

Difference between BS4 (BSIV) and BS6 (BSVI) engine standards

The primary differences between BS4 (BSIV) and BS6 (BSVI) emission norms lie in their stringency and the pollutants they regulate:

1. Pollutant reduction: BS6-compliant cars have significantly reduced the levels of harmful pollutants emitted by the cars compared to BS4.

2. Stringency: BS6 emission norms are more stringent in comparison to BS4. BSVI sets lower limits on the emissions of harmful pollutants such as Carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM) nitrogen oxides (NOx), etc.

3. Advanced emission control technology: BS6-compliant cars use advanced emission control technologies such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction to improve engine management systems.

4. Fuel quality: BS6-compliant cars need improved fuel quality with lower sulfur content. This helps in reducing emissions.

5. Applicability: BS4 emission norms were implemented first in April 2017 for all new vehicles. BS6 norms were phased in gradually with the mandatory adoption of BS6-compliant vehicles set for 1st April 2020.

The Central Pollution Control Board has set limits on pollutants in both BS4 and BS6-compliant vehicles. Here are the limits on pollutants for BS4 (Bharat Stage 4) and BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms:

Conclusion

Engine standards are essential for ensuring that cars meet emission standards, safety, and regulatory requirements reducing environmental pollution. Along with buying an environmentally friendly car, ensure to secure your vehicle with the right car insurance.