Motorbikes India Online magazine about motorbikes in India
The automobile industry is under pressure due to the transition to BS-VI emission standard with effect from April 1, 2020. The Supreme court of India announced that no BS-IV vehicle should be in the market across the country from the above mention date.
Thus, the announcement of BS-VI norms in 2019 became the talk of Motown, and so it is vital to act on its implication since the deadline is close.
But, do you know why is this decision essential and how it can impact the automobile sector and its consumers?
Well, then you must know about the BS-VI emission norms in detail below.
What do you mean by BS-VI Norm?
The full form of “BS” is Bharat Stage, introduced in 2000 by the Indian government. The BS-VI uses advanced technology, which helps to limit the release of air pollutants in the atmosphere. These norms are of the European standard, similar to European four and European six.
Difference between BS-IV and BS-VI
So, scientifically, the amount of sulfur present in BS-IV and BS-IV vehicle models makes the difference.
Now, there are three primary harmful gasses released by two-wheeler- Carbon monoxide, Hydrocarbon, and Nitrogen oxide.
The BS-IV engine transmits 1.97gm/Km of CO, 0.20gm/Km of NOX, and 0.40gm/Km of HC+NOX. However, BS-VI motorbike generates 1.0gm/Km of Co, 0.10gm/Km of NOX, and 0.06gm/Km of HC+NOX. The level of these harmful gasses is less in BS-VI vehicles as compared to BS-IV ones.
To run a BS-VI model vehicle, we need BS-VI fuel. However, the BS-IV emitting engine can run on BS-VI fuel.
How will BS-VI emission affect the motorbike companies?
The change in the compliances from BS-IV to BS-VI norms will require higher investment for the motorbike companies, and they would need to upgrade the vehicles in stocks and while making new motorcycles. Thus, there will be less launch until the given deadline.
As BS-VI emission shows higher torque and mileage, the models with BS-VI will be 8-14% costlier. Also, since the motorbike makers are changing their portfolio to BS-V till March 31, 2020, this will show temperamental financial circumstance, weak consumer loyalty, trouble in loan approval, and increment cost in the vehicle business.
How will the norm affect the customers in general?
To achieve BS6 emission, motorcycle companies will need to add specific equipment such as electronic fuel-injector and big catalytic converters.
The two-wheeler cost will increase with costlier components used in the vehicle; thus, the customer will have to open his wallet more for the same type of scooter. There will be a 10-15% price hike as compared to BS-IV models.
The price of petrol and diesel might go up by 50 paise to Re.1 from April 2020 due to up-gradation to BS-VI to cut down vehicular emission in the country. It will also impact the customers in general as petrol two-wheelers are more prevalent in India.
Will two-wheelers with BS-VI tech become expensive?
The customers who are thinking of purchasing a vehicle for themselves or intending to get one they soon will have to consider before buying it. The fuel costs will increase with BS-VI models.
However, since India has one of the most polluted urban areas on the planet and vehicles are one reason for it, it urgently needs to control its pollution level by adopting BS-VI. Definitely, to step up its game internationally.
Companies launching new two-wheelers with BS-VI emission
The deadline for March 31, 2020, to switch over to BS-VI geared up two-wheeler companies to launch their vehicles as per the new norms. Here are some:
- Hero MotoCorp introduced Splendor iSmart BS-VI and HF Deluxe. The price range has gone up by Rs.8,500 more for the latest variants.
- Honda Motorcycle and scooter launched the Activa 125 and SP 125 as per BS-VI standard.
- Suzuki rolled out the new Suzuki 125 BS-VI model within a range of Rs. 64,800- Rs. 69,500.
- Yamaha’s new launch for next-generation scooter Fascino and Ray ZR 125cc engine have BS-VI norms.
- TVS Motor introduced RTR 4V- 160 and 200 series and the new Jupiter Classic with BS-VI.
- Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 came with a BS-VI complaint with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1,65,000.
Thus, overall, the Indian two-wheeler community is making a considerable effort to reach the global standards in terms of environmental safety norms. We, as a significant part of the industry, must contribute and support the automobile sector whole-heartedly towards adopting BS6 standards smoothly.
Disclaimer: This article was prepared or accomplished by it's author in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Motorbikes India or it's owners.
