Impact of BS6 Standards on the Two-wheeler Industry

Among the different classes of vehicles, the two-wheeler segment dominates the market in terms of its growing volume. The domination is due to the growing middle class in the country and the preference of the young population for two-wheelers. While two-wheeler and passenger vehicles dominate the domestic auto market, two-wheelers sales account for 81.21% of the market share during the financial year 2020-21. Two-wheelers are a preferred mode of transport, thanks to their practicality in maneuvering the narrow lanes and traffic snarls, and are even easy to park in congested places. Further, gearless scooters make two-wheelers even more accessible to people who do not prefer riding the complicated geared two-wheelers. Emission Norms in India Emissions norms were introduced by the government to regulate the air pollutants emitted from the vehicle’s engine to keep a check on the environmental concerns of internal combustion engines. These norms were first introduced in the year 1991 for petrol engines and 1992 for diesel engines. There has been a gradual upgradation of these emission norms and Bharat Stage VI / BS-VI / BS6 norms were made mandatory for all vehicles that are sold from 1st April 2020. * What are BS6 Emission Standards? BS6 norms are the most advanced emission standards which are equivalent to Euro-VI norms, considered to be the best in European countries. These emission norms help regulate the air pollutants from vehicles and are standards set by the Central Pollution Board under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. To curb the growing environmental concerns, the Indian government introduced the BS6 norms replacing the erstwhile BS4 norms introduced in 2017. Thus, as of today, all vehicles sold, be it cars or bikes, are required to comply with the BS6 emission standards. * How has the Update to BS6 Norms Impacted the Two-wheeler Industry? The update from the previous BS4 norms to BS6 norms requires a significant change in engine technology. Auto manufacturers are required to make changes in engine combustion, fuel injection, cylinder pressures, and various other adjustments. Moreover, for the first time, these manufacturers are also required to install gasoline injection systems on these vehicles. These changes required to meet the BS6 compliance have resulted in the power figures of vehicles being slightly lowered. Since these amended regulations make the engines less powerful and focus on fuel efficiency, it has decreased the carbon emissions from two-wheeler petrol engines. * While the BS6 norms aim to curb pollution levels, here are some of its advantages:

• There has been a reduction of nearly 25% of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) in petrol and 70% in diesel vehicles.
• The advanced exhaust systems fitted onto these vehicles increase their durability.
• BS6 norms also enforce strict limits on Non-Methane Hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions.
• Vehicles require to be fitted with onboard diagnostics as mandatory compliance.
• Real Driving Emissions (RDE) also helps to check the emissions not just in testing conditions, but also in the real world.

*Standard T&C Apply While these BS6 norms have been implemented to reduce harmful toxic emissions and create a pollution-free environment, it is also important for us as citizens to comply with other regulations. For instance, every two-wheeler owner must mandatorily purchase a bike insurance plan, in compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act. Of the two types of insurance plans, third party bike insurance is the minimum requirement as it ensures protection against legal liabilities. However, there is no coverage for the damages to your bike. A comprehensive plan is a policy that offers both, legal protection as well as own damage cover for your bike. Broader coverage of the comprehensive plan is what impacts the bike insurance price, but is worth the extra money spent for the long-term benefit it offers.   *Standard T&C Apply  Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.