The Indian automotive industry witnessed a major change just a couple of days back from April 1, 2020. Well, most of you must already be aware of that change as it was in news for quite a few months. But for the record, let's mention it one more time that sale of all the BS4 compliant vehicles have been stopped and only BS6 certified vehicles will be sold in the country. There are several questions in the minds of buyers regarding this new change which includes the plying of existing BS4 vehicles, the BS6 fuel quality and availability among others. So let's decode all the curiosity and dilemma surrounding the new BS6 emission norms in a simpler manner in seven steps:
What is BS6 (Bharat Stage 6)?
The Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms are the sixth step in the ongoing vehicular emissions series which have been introduced to curb the ever rising levels of air pollution. These are in compliance with the European emission standards and if we take a look at the chronology, BS2000 (BS1) was started in 2000 which was followed by BS2 and BS3 in 2001 and 2005, respectively. The BS4 emission norms, with even more stringent emission rules, were introduced pan India from April 2017. The Government decided to skip the BS5 levels altogether and hence directly implemented the BS6 norms. With the BS6 emission levels, Indian cars will stand equivalent with American and European cars in terms of Co2 emission.
When will BS6 come to India?
BS6 emission norms have come into effect in India by midnight of April 1, 2020. Though, as the whole country is currently under lockdown for 21 days due to CoronaVirus pandemic which will end on April 14, the Supreme Court has given a relaxation of 10 days to the automakers to sell off their remaining BS4 inventory till April 24, 2020. However, the dealers can sell only 10 percent of the existing BS4 stock during these 10 days while retailing of BS4 vehicles is strictly prohibited in Delhi-NCR.
How is BS6 different from BS4?
The BS6 fuel is much cleaner in quality as compared to the BS4 fuel. The foremost difference is that the BS6 fuel comes with five times lesser sulphur content (10 parts per million) than the BS4 fuel (50 ppm). Additionally, NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) level has been reduced drastically by 70 percent and 25 percent for diesel and petrol engines, respectively. Furthermore, the introduction of BS6 emission norms has made OBD (Onboard Diagnostics) compulsory for all the vehicles. Two new components in the form of DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) have been specifically developed for the diesel engine.
Is BS6 fuel available at petrol pumps in every city?
As of now, BS6 fuel is available at all the major cities in India because the oil companies had started this fuel upgradation process around a year back. In fact, it was already available at 391 fuel stations of Delhi even from January 1, 2020.
What will be the cost of BS6 fuel in India?
The cost of BS6 fuel is kept the same as the outgoing BS4 fuel for the time being but several reports are indicating that it will witness a steep rise in price in the coming months. The oil companies and refineries have invested nearly Rs 30,000 Crore for the BS6 quality fuel so a price hike is on the cards.
Will BS4 cars be banned?
Yes, the sales of BS4 cars and two-wheelers will be completely banned in India from April 24, 2020. However, existing BS4 vehicles will be allowed to ply on the roads without any sort of problem.
Can BS4 cars run on BS6 fuel and vice-versa?
First things first, as far as petrol is concerned, BS4 and BS6 have very little difference so petrol car owners and two-wheeler owners need not to worry about anything as BS4 vehicles will face no difficulty in running on BS6 fuel and BS6 vehicles will face no problem whatsoever on running at BS4 fuel. However, as far as the diesel cars and fuel quality is concerned, it will not be as easy as petrol because the BS4 diesel fuel carries higher Sulphur content as compared to BS6 fuel. So, it can result in the damage of the injector (the injector is responsible for the ionisation of fuel) due to less amount of lubrication. The fuel flow pattern can also get disrupted abruptly due to this. Therefore, it is not advisable for BS6 diesel car owners to fill BS4 quality fuel and vice-versa.
Image Source - Indian Express
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A mechanical engineering dropout by choice, Mayank has been in the auto journalism biz for the past 8 years. He is currently working as an Associate Editor at Droom Discovery and covering each and every aspect of the auto industry. He has worked with a plethora of renowned Auto brands in his illustrious career so far. Being a student of English Literature, his mantras of success are the Never-Say-Never attitude and self-confidence. Mayank likes to travel, read books and listen to music during his free time.
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