Post 31st March 2020, only the vehicles (both two-wheeler and four-wheeler) compliant with BS6 emission norm can be sold or registered, as announced by the Indian government. Soon after this mandate, a number of bike and car manufacturers launched BS6 variants of their most demanded car/bike models. However, most of the vehicles are still BS4 compliant. So, if you are planning to buy a car recently, carefully look for BS6 models that follow the emission regulations set by the government.
Those who are unaware of this news might find the switch from BS4 to BS6 to be an alien concept. Need not to worry. This article explores everything that you need to know about BS4 vs BS6. Keep these major differences in mind before purchasing your new car or two-wheeler and make sure to have a Motor Insurance Policy. Let’s get started.
What Exactly Is BS6?
The output of pollutants emitting from vehicles is regulated by Bharat Stage Emission Standards. These standards (set by the Central Pollution Control Board) define the maximum permissible emission levels from a two-wheeler or car’s exhaust. The first-ever emission standard was launched in 2000. Consequently, in 2005 (BS2), 2010 (BS3), and 2017 (BS4), other emission standards got introduced.
Taking into consideration, the increasing pollution in India and the need for better emission norms, BS6 (skipping BS5) is going to be launched in 2020 as a strict and restrictive sixth mandate for regulating vehicular emissions in the country.
How Is It Different From BS4?
As BS6 is considered to cut down emissions with a stricter measure, it is expected to help India fight the battle with rampant air pollution with great precision.
Listed below are some of the major differences between BS4 and BS6 that you must keep in mind.
• The most prominent difference is the fact that BS6 rolls out Selective Catalytic Reduction and Diesel Particulate Filter that were not included in the BS4 emission norm.
• BS6 also introduces Real Driving Emission in India that measures the emission from a vehicle in real-time conditions.
• Onboard Diagnostics will also be made mandatory with the implementation of BS6.
• BS6 compliant petrol vehicles will be 25% cleaner than BS4 due to the reduction in nitrogen oxide levels from 80 to 60mg/km. For diesel engines, BS6 reduces 3 pollutants, viz. NOx, Particulate Matter, and Hydrocarbons by 82, 68, and 43% respectively.
Most Significant Upgrade
The most significant change or upgrade that you will find in BS4 and BS6 is the change in fuel. BS6 compliant vehicles will need BS6 fuel to run efficiently. In case, you use BS4-grade fuel for BS6 diesel engines, it will result in decreased fuel economy, increased emissions and fault in the fuel delivery system. Petrol engines may, however, not face any issues. Different manufacturers have different takes on the BS6 engine’s compatibility with BS4 fuel. What is positive here is the fact that most of the fuel stations will start dispensing BS6 fuels by April 2020. So, you need not to worry about anything.
Do not forget to check if your car insurance covers BS6 compliant vehicles. Either update your policy or
buy car insurance online today to enjoy comprehensive coverage benefits.
