BS-VII likely from 2027; stricter emission norms to cover CNG vehicles, EV battery rules on radar

New Delhi: Cars, buses, and trucks are likely to face stricter emission rules starting 2027 with the government sto broaden the scope of vehicular pollutants under the proposed Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) norms, said officials familiar with the matter.

Though largely aligned with Euro VII emission standards, the new norms would be adapted to Indian driving and fuel conditions, reflecting the government’s sustained efforts to curb high pollution levels in most of the major cities.

Separately, the Centre is examining the possibility of mandating minimum endurance requirements for electric vehicle batteries, a move aimed at improving their longevity and performance amid growing EV adoption in the country.

Urban Smog“Specific emissions from natural gas-fired vehicles, which were earlier not being targeted, are going to be tightened in BS-VII,” said one of the officials cited above.

Ammonia emissions are expected to be strictly monitored for both light and heavy-duty vehicles under the new norms to prevent formation of urban smog.

“Cars sold in 2027 will have to comply with BS-VII’s real-time pollution monitoring systems,” the official said.

While the switch from BS-IV to BS-VI in 2020 required refineries to undertake major upgradation and bring cleaner fuels at pumps, such changes are unlikely with BS-VII.

The European Commission proposed Euro-VII standards in November 2022. The new regulation applies the same emission limits to all motor vehicles within a category, regardless of whether they run on petrol, diesel, CNG, or are electric. Earlier iterations of the norms specified maximum permissible emissions from different fuel types with varying limits.

“Multiple ministries are coordinating to finalise BS-VII,” the official said. “The draft will be shortly released for wider deliberations.”

It is unclear whether India too will emulate Euro VII’s curbs on non-tailpipe emissions from tyres and brakes. To support electrification, the EU proposal also includes minimum battery life diktats.

The new norms highlight the Centre’s increasing efforts to control automobile emissions through vehicle specific and companywide reduction goals. In parallel to BS-VII, work is also underway to finalise Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III regulations. Officials are aiming to stick with the April 1, 2027 deadline for rolling out the enhanced fuel efficiency regime.

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