Understanding the transition from BSIV to BSVI engines

Air pollution is a rising concern worldwide. It contributes to climate change and global warming, damaging biodiversity and ecosystems. Vehicle emissions also contribute significantly to pollution, as harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles impact public health. Pollution control measures include stringent vehicle engine standards that help reduce toxic emissions to protect the environment and public health.

To significantly improve vehicle environmental regulations, the Government of India has introduced BSVI (BS6), a new emission standard effective April 2020. Considering the rising pollution level, the government skipped BS5 vehicle emission norms and switched from BS4 (Bharat Stage 4) to BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) norms.

What is the BSVI (BS6) engine norm?

BS6's full form is Bharat Stage VI (BSVI). BS6 norms are the set of regulations introduced by the Indian Government to regulate the emission of pollutants from internal combustion engines in vehicles. Compared to Bharat Stage IV (BS4) norms, BS6 norms are stringent, with strict limits set on the emission of pollutants. This includes pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO).

BSVI norms were introduced in two phases in India. The first phase of norm implementation began in April 2019 in selected cities, including New Delhi, which has higher pollution levels. Implementation of BS6 norms for the rest of India began in the second phase in April 2020.

BS6 norms require significant engine advancements. Understanding the key points in BS4 engine standards and BS6 engine standards can help you understand the significance of this important transition.

Key points in the transition from BS4 to BS6 engine norms

The following are some of the important points to consider while understanding the transition from BS4 to BS6 engine norms in the Indian automobile industry:

1. BS6 norms are much more stringent than BS4 norms in terms of permissible levels of pollutants. BS6 standards mandate lower limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from vehicles (including cars and bikes) compared to BS4.

2. BS6-compliant vehicles emit significantly fewer pollutants than their BS4 counterparts. They include advanced engine technologies and exhaust after-treatment systems that help reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality.

3. Fuel quality plays a vital role in properly functioning advanced emission control systems. The transition from BS4 to BS6 norms involves improvements in fuel quality. Fuels used for BS6-compliant vehicles have lower sulfur content than BS4 fuels.

4. The manufacturing cost for the BS6-compliant vehicles is relatively higher than the BS4-compliant vehicles. As a result, the prices of BS6-compliant vehicles are generally higher compared to BS4 vehicles.

5. The primary goal of moving from BS4 to BS6 norms is to reduce vehicular emissions and mitigate air pollution. BS6-compliant vehicles emit significantly lower levels of harmful pollutants, improving air quality and public health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, transitioning from BS4 to BS6 emission norms significantly reduces vehicular emissions and improves air quality in India. It marks a substantial leap in environmental regulations for the automotive sector, promoting the adoption of cleaner and more efficient vehicles. As two-wheelers play a crucial role in daily commuting, this shift also highlights the growing importance of securing your ride with comprehensive bike insurance, ensuring both environmental responsibility and financial safety on the road.