BS-VII Emission Norms in India: Key Features, Impact and Importance

BS-VII Emission Norms are upcoming vehicle emission standards in India aimed at reducing air pollution, improving fuel efficiency, and promoting cleaner mobility.

Table of Contents

Context: The Indian government is planning to adopt BS VII emission standards and CAFE III (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms.

BS-VII Emission Norms

Bharat Stage (BS) norms regulate pollutants emitted by vehicles in India.
BS-VII will be the next stricter stage, aligned with the European Euro-7

Key expected features

Stricter limits on pollutants like NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), PM (Particulate Matter), CO (Carbon Monoxide), and HC (Hydrocarbons).
Likely uniform limits across fuel types (petrol and diesel).
On-Board Monitoring (OBM) and stronger Real-Driving Emission (RDE)
Regulation of evaporative emissions and possibly non-tailpipe emissions (tyre/brake dust).

CAFE III Norms (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency)

CAFE norms regulate fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions of an automaker’s overall fleet.
Unlike BS norms (which target toxic pollutants), CAFE norms aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Under CAFE, a manufacturer’s average CO₂ emissions per km across all vehicles sold must stay within limits.
Earlier phases:
- CAFE I (2017): initial fuel efficiency targets.
- CAFE II (2022): CO₂ emissions capped at 113 g/km for passenger cars.
CAFE III will tighten limits further, compelling manufacturers to adopt more efficient engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles.