Strict measures are being taken in the country for environmental protection and pollution control. The proposed BS7 (India Stage 7) Emission Norms, which is likely to be implemented by 2026-27, is part of these efforts. In this article, know what will be the future of diesel vehicles after the arrival of BS7, which vehicles will affect it and what the auto industry is preparing for this change.
What is BS7 and why is it necessary?
The BS7 Norms are new emission standards proposed by the Government of India, which aims to further reduce pollution from vehicles. Under this, it will be mandatory to control nitrogen oxide (NOX), Particulate Matter (PM) and other harmful gases at strict levels, especially from diesel vehicles. There is talk of reducing the level of NOX to 60 mg/km, which is far more strict than the current standards.
Why increased crisis on diesel vehicles?
As the awareness of pollution is increasing, governments are becoming more cautious about diesel. BS7 norms will especially affect diesel trains as diesel engines naturally produce more NOX and PM. To control them, complex and expensive techniques will be required, which will not only increase production expenses, but their prices can also go out of the reach of common people.
Technology will be expensive, the burden of prices will increase
According to BS7 standards, many advanced equipment will have to be used to make diesel vehicles environmentally friendly, such as:
– Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
– Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
– Adblue System
By adding these techniques, the price of vehicles can increase from about ₹ 1.8 lakh to ₹ 2.5 lakh. This will directly affect the sale of diesel vehicles like mid-segment SUV and sedan. Customers can bend towards petrol or electric options.
Which vehicles will not touch BS7 norms?
Although BS7 targets private passenger vehicles, it will not have immediate effect on trucks, buses, tractors and other heavy commercial vehicles. Given the need and operation of these vehicles, the government has gestured to give them exemption at present. That is, the use of diesel will not stop completely, but will be limited to certain areas.
Diesel segment will remain alive from export
Companies such as Mahindra, Tata, and Ashok Leyland export diesel SUVs and other vehicles. Even though their use in India declined, their production will continue in view of international demand. This means that diesel technology will not end completely, but its use will remain for select and commercial markets.
Growing steps towards clean diesel
India and the world companies are rapidly working on options like hybrid diesel, bio-diesel and synthetic fuel instead of traditional diesel. The Government of India is also encouraging biofuel and ethanol blending. The target of 20% ethanol mixture has been set by 2025, which is an important step towards converting diesel into low pollution options.
Diesel will not end, just will change the form
BS7 norms may be a challenge for diesel technology, but this does not mean that diesel vehicles will be completely eliminated. Diesel technology can be seen in more smart, clean and effective form in the coming times due to technical reforms, alternative fuels and government cooperation.
The auto industry is also getting ready for this change. Companies are investing in new technology and re-designs their product portfolio with electric, hybrid, and clean diesel options.
BS7 norms are an important step towards the future of clean and safe transport in India. There may be concerns about diesel vehicles, but with the help of both technology and policy, this change will pave the way for a clean and durable automobile future for India.
– Dr. Animesh Sharma
