BSVI

Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) is India's emission standard for motor vehicles, part of the Bharat Stage (BS) regulatory framework established by the Government of India. BSVI aligns with the Euro 6/EC emissions standards and imposes tighter limits on exhaust pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO). The standard also introduces stricter testing and on-board diagnostics requirements.

The transition from BS-IV to BS-VI was implemented nationwide for all new vehicles from April 1, 2020. The goal was to leapfrog intermediate stages, requiring automakers to adopt new engines, advanced fuel and exhaust after-treatment systems, and a compliant supply of higher-grade BS-VI fuels. The transition affects a wide range of vehicle types, including passenger cars, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Technologies associated with BSVI include diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and exhaust gas recirculation to control PM and NOx, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with urea-based AdBlue for NOx reduction in diesel engines, and improved catalytic converters for petrol engines. On-board diagnostics (OBD) requirements, enhanced fuel-injection systems, and more rigorous testing procedures are part of the standard.

Impacts of BSVI include reduced tailpipe emissions and improved urban air quality, at the cost of higher vehicle prices, maintenance needs, and the requirement for reliable supplies of BS-VI fuel and AdBlue. The regulation also necessitated supply-chain adaptations, certification processes, and updated service infrastructure for vehicles and components.