CARVERSAL

​Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Transport in India, has proposed to the manufacturers that: 'Get ready with the BS7 emission norms, which will come into force from 2023 onwards.' This is the Indian declaration showing serious intent to go ahead with such measures that can be compared with international standards on pollution control with the European Union Euro 7, which will become effective from July 1, 2025, but has yet to announce a date for the BS7 promulgation by the Indian government.

Being one of the largest automotive markets, this embarkation from BS6 to BS7 is expected to scale down emissions significantly from motor vehicles around the country and eventually escalate fuel economy while pushing the industry towards newer emission control technologies. The present discussion focuses on BS7 standards-their date of launch in India expected in future, major deviations from BS6, the expected new rules, and challenges ahead.

Expected Launch Timeline of BS7 in India

Even though the Indian government has not provided a definite launch date for BS7, it will be on par with the Euro 7 timeline, which begins in July 2025. Given India's historical approach of introducing emission norms in phases, BS7 can be introduced in phases:

• 2025-2026: Initial phase in large cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where pollution is highest.

• 2027-2028: Nationwide roll-out for all new cars.

• 2030: Complete imposition, including vigorous checks on second-hand cars and older vehicles.

The motor manufacturers are already gearing up for the phase-out, and some are investing in electric and hybrid motor technologies in preparation for regulatory leapfrogging.

What Are BS7 Norms?

BS7 emission standards will be the next level of auto pollution control norms in India, which are likely to match Euro 7 norms. They will have stricter emission limits for all categories of vehicles, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Among BS7's top attractions is On-Board Monitoring (OBM), a live emission monitoring system installed on automobiles. Unlike the conventional practice involving periodic tests, OBM will continuously monitor tailpipe emissions throughout the day and night and certify conformity with pollution standards throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.

BS7 will target emissions like nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH3), particulate matter (PM), and other tailpipe exhaust emissions. The standards will also target enhancing fuel efficiency and monitoring engine performance through advanced exhaust gas monitoring technologies.

History of Emission Norms in India

India has been steadily strengthening its emission standards since the early 1990s as pollution levels began to rise. The first stab the country made at representational standards was through mass emission standards for petrol cars in 1991 and those for diesel cars in 1992. From April 1995, key cities made it mandatory for petrol vehicles to fit catalytic converters, with the sale of unleaded petrol commencing. 

The first major regulatory point would be the promulgation of the "India 2000" norms in the year 2000, which were equivalent to Euro-I norms. Thereafter, slightly stricter norms were introduced in 2001 (BS2) and again in 2005 (BS3). The BS4 regulations promulgated in 2010 were another major landmark, laying the path for the introduction of BS6 all over the country in April 2020. 

In another significant step, India leapfrogged ahead from BS4 to BS6 without implementing BS5, providing a global precedent on how to cut car pollution. The BS7 are planned for introduction sometime around 2025 with no set final timeline defined as of yet.

How does BS7 differ from BS6?

BS6 was a significant upgrade from BS4 as it was focused on reducing sulfur content in fuel and reducing particulate matter emissions. BS7 is going a step further in emission control by applying the same standards of pollution on all fuels with real-time monitoring and regulating non-tailpipe emissions like brake and tire emissions.

While BS6 concentrated more on emission checking with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD), BS7 will employ On-Board Monitoring (OBM), which continually monitors real-time emissions and engine performance. This ensures that cars are in conformity with emissions standards even when they age, so there is no compromise on performance.

BS7 will also impose stricter standards on electric vehicles (EVs), such as the minimum durability level of the batteries. This is for the enhancement of battery life, the reduction of electronic waste, and the encouragement of sustainable EV production.

BS7 will also be the first Indian emission standard to regulate particulate emissions from tires and brakes, the hitherto overlooked source of pollution in cities.

Expected New Regulations Under BS7

1. Uniform Emission Standards Across Fuel Types

Unlike the previous norms having different limits for petrol and diesel engines, BS7 will be having identical pollution limits for all vehicle segments so that there is equality across the automobile industry.

2. Real-Time Emission Tracking Through OBM

The introduction of On-Board Monitoring (OBM) will allow authorities to track emissions throughout the lifetime of a vehicle. This is better than the interval testing strategy under BS6, where compliance is only tested during standardized tests and not actual driving conditions.

3. Regulation of Brake & Tire Emissions

For the first time in India, emissions of particulate matter due to brake dust and tire wear will be controlled in BS7. This move follows European initiatives to curb non-exhaust pollution, which has been a primary cause of worsening air quality.

4. Stricter Battery Regulations for EVs

BS7 will set standards for minimum battery life for electric vehicles to ensure long-term operation and sustainability. This move will make EVs more reliable and reduce the rate of battery replacement.

5. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency Standards

BS7 will promote even higher fuel efficiency standards, compelling manufacturers to design engines with lower fuel consumption without sacrificing performance.

Challenges in Implementing BS7

1. High Costs for Automakers

Manufacturing BS7-compatible vehicles will require massive investment in development, research, and production. Auto manufacturers will need to redesign existing models and introduce new emission-control technologies, which can increase car prices.

2. Need for Advanced Infrastructure

Implementation of BS7 will also require better fuel quality, emission test labs, and vehicle testing facilities. India's current infrastructure may need to undergo massive changes before BS7 implementation can be effectively done.

3. Impact on Diesel Vehicles

BS7's more stringent NOx requirements may render diesel vehicles uncompetitive on cost. Some manufacturers will discontinue diesel models, and this could impact commercial transportation sectors like trucking and logistics.

4. Consumer Awareness & Adoption

Public knowledge of BS7 standards is weak, and the consumers will be reluctant to change, particularly if automobile prices increase. Industry players will have to incur the cost of awareness campaigns to make the buyers aware of the benefits of cleaner automobiles.

READ MORE: Cars that could be discontinued in BS7

Conclusion

BS7 Measures further India's fight against pollution from their vehicles and from becoming part of the worldwide emission standard community. Standards are meant to cover emissions monitoring on the go, setting uniform pollution standards across different fuel types, and now introducing an EMISSION STANDARD for EVs, brakes and tires. Thus, it aims to clean the Indian environment.

Be prepared for this drastic and intense change the present stakeholders in manufacture, policy, and consumer levels are called to prepare towards a smooth and successful transition to BS7 norms.

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