India Tests Cars on Real Roads for Pollution

India has changed how it tests car pollution. Cars will now be tested while driving on real roads to see how much they pollute. This helps make the air cleaner and gives drivers better information about their cars.
By Newsroom | Environment, India |

India is enacting changes to how it tests vehicle emissions, moving from controlled laboratory settings to actual driving conditions. This shift aims to provide a more accurate picture of a car's performance and pollution output for everyday use, aligning with global standards and promoting cleaner air. The new system, part of the BS6 Phase 2 updates, will apply to specific categories of vehicles and may influence how fuel efficiency and emission figures are presented to consumers.

Understanding the Shift in Emission Testing

The Indian government is implementing a significant update to its BS6 emission standards. Previously, emissions were tested in a controlled laboratory environment. The new BS6 Phase 2 rules, however, mandate Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing.

  • This means vehicles will now be tested for their pollution output under actual driving conditions on public roads, across different terrains and speeds.

  • This change aims to make emission and fuel efficiency figures more realistic for everyday driving.

  • The move is also intended to align India's vehicle emission testing with international norms.

  • These updates are designed to contribute to cleaner air, potentially reducing smog and respiratory illnesses.

What is Covered by the New Rules?

The updated testing method will specifically cover vehicles in M1 and M2 categories.

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  • M1 category vehicles include passenger cars, hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and MPVs that have up to eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.

  • M2 category vehicles are passenger carriers like vans and minibuses that have more than eight passenger seats and a gross vehicle weight of up to five tonnes.

Impact on Car Buyers and Perception

While the core emission limits under BS6 are not becoming stricter, the new testing methodology is expected to alter how car mileage and pollution levels are communicated.

  • Experts suggest that while the BS6 emission limits themselves are not tightening, the way they are measured will change.

  • This could lead to a more transparent understanding of a vehicle's real-world performance for buyers.

  • The introduction of BS6 norms has already influenced how buyers compare older (BS4) and newer (BS6) vehicles, particularly concerning resale value and maintenance.

Technological Adaptations and Potential Cost

The transition to BS6 Phase 2 involves technological integration, such as the mandatory inclusion of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD2) systems.

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  • OBD2 systems act as a self-diagnostic tool for vehicles, monitoring various emission control systems.

  • There is a slight indication that cars might become slightly pricier due to the integration of this new technology and the updated testing protocols.

  • All BS6.2 petrol cars are also designed to be compatible with E20 fuel, which is a blend of 20% ethanol.

Expert and Public Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding the BS6 Phase 2 update is a commitment to environmental improvement.

  • It is described as a "strong step towards a greener, cleaner India."

  • The aim is to achieve lower emissions and reduced air pollution, particularly in urban areas.

  • The changes are intended to ensure vehicles perform well while also minimizing environmental impact.

Key Changes Summarized

The core of the BS6 Phase 2 updates can be distilled into a few key differences from the previous phase:

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FeatureBS6 Phase 1 (Before)BS6 Phase 2 (Now)
TestingEmissions tested in lab onlyEmissions tested on road (RDE)
DiagnosticsStandard OBDStricter, more controlled OBD
PollutantsReduced pollutant thresholdsSharply reduced pollutant thresholds (NOx, CO, PM)
Fuel ImpactBS6 fuel requiredE20 fuel compatibility for petrol cars
Cost ImpactStandard BS6 costSlightly higher due to new technology
GoalCleaner vehiclesCleaner vehicles and reduced air pollution

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is India testing cars on real roads?
India is testing cars on real roads to get a better idea of how much pollution they make when people actually drive them. This helps make the air cleaner.
Q: What kind of cars are tested this way?
This new test is for cars and vans that carry up to eight people (M1 category) and buses that carry more than eight people but weigh less than five tonnes (M2 category).
Q: Will cars cost more now?
Cars might cost a little more because they need new technology to do these tests. This technology helps the car check its own pollution levels.
Q: What is E20 fuel?
E20 fuel is a mix of petrol and 20% ethanol. Many new petrol cars in India can now use this type of fuel.