From BS4 to BS6: A Huge Step Towards Cleaner Commercial Vehicles

In 2020, India took a giant leap toward a cleaner environment by implementing BS6 emission norms. But what does this mean for commercial vehicle owners? The transition from BS4 to BS6 was not just a regular update; it was a major step that directly impacted vehicle performance, maintenance, and operating costs.

Imagine driving through a city while noticing cleaner air, less emissions from trucks and buses and a more efficient fleet. The BS6 norms helps to make this a reality by significantly reducing harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). However, for many fleet operators and vehicle owners, this step also brings concerns about fuel compatibility, vehicle costs, and long-term benefits.

This blog breaks down the major differences between BS4 and BS6 technologies, common myths about BS6 engines and challenges occurred during transition from BS4 norms to BS6 norms.

What are BS Emission Norms?

BS Emission Norms or Bharat Stage Emission Standards are a set of rules and regulations introduced by the Indian government to control and limit air pollutants produced by the internal combustion system of engine vehicles. These standards are introduced to reduce harmful emissions like particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide (CO) and to maintain India’s automotive industry with global emission standards.

Each stage of BS norms (e.g., BS4, BS6) represents a limited level of allowed emissions, which is required in vehicle technology, fuel quality, and emission control systems. For example BS4 is primarily used for basic exhaust treatment technologies whereas BS6 is used for advanced systems like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) to achieve high reductions in pollutant levels.

Emission Limits Comparison (BS4 vs. BS6)

This Table shows allowed vehicle emission limits for both Petroleum and Diesel fuel type Vehicle in BS4 and BS6 technology:

Key Differences Between BS4 and BS6

1. Stricter Emission Limits

• BS4: Allowed higher NOx emissions (3.5 g/kWh for commercial diesel vehicles).
• BS6: Reduced NOx emissions by 87% (to 0.46 g/kWh) and PM emissions by 50%.

2. Advanced Emission Control Systems

• BS4: Relied on Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) with limited emission control.
• BS6: Uses SCR (injects urea/AdBlue) and DPF to remove pollutants efficiently.

3. Fuel Quality

• BS4: Used fuel with 50 ppm sulfur, leading to higher emissions and engine wear.
• BS6: Uses fuel with only 10 ppm sulfur, reducing emissions and enhancing engine life.

4. On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)

• BS4: Basic OBD systems monitored only key engine parameters.
• BS6: Advanced OBD ensures real-time emission monitoring for compliance.

5. Cost and Maintenance

• BS4: Vehicles were cheaper with lower maintenance costs.
• BS6: Higher manufacturing and maintenance costs due to advanced emission controls like AdBlue refills.

6. Performance Impact

• BS4: Higher fuel efficiency as emission norms were less strict.
• BS6: Slightly reduced fuel efficiency but cleaner combustion and lower emissions.

7. Environmental Benefits

• BS6: Drastic reduction in NOx and PM emissions improves air quality, especially in cities.

Common Myths About BS6

1. BS6 Engines Are Less Powerful – Not true! While BS6 engines prioritize lower emissions, manufacturers have optimized engine designs to maintain or even enhance power and torque.
2. BS6 Fuel Cannot Be Used in BS4 Vehicles – BS6 fuel is compatible with BS4 vehicles, but using BS4 fuel in BS6 vehicles can damage emission control systems.
3. BS6 Vehicles Have Higher Maintenance Costs – While some advanced components require maintenance, improved engine efficiency and cleaner fuel lead to long-term benefits.

Challenges in the Transition from BS4 norms to BS6 norms

• Production Cost Challenges:

1. 1. • The transition to BS6 increased vehicle prices due to the integration of advanced technologies.

• Fuel Availability:

1. 1. • BS6 fuel had to be made available across the country to ensure compatibility.

• Technological Challenges:

1. • Manufacturers had to redesign engines and exhaust systems which required more investment and research.

Conclusion

The jump from BS4 to BS6 technology marks a significant chapter in India’s efforts to decrease vehicular pollution and maintain global emission standards. While this transition faces many challenges majorly in terms of costs and technological updates, the environmental and health benefits outshines these challenges. For commercial vehicle owners adapting to BS6 technology ensures compliance with regulations, better performance and a cleaner environment for the nation.

At MyMotoco we understand the developing needs of commercial vehicle owners and offer a wide range of BS6 compatible spare parts, lubricants and emission control solutions to keep your fleet running efficiently. We also help commercial vehicle owners stay up-to-date with upgrading standards. Visit MyMotoco today for the best automotive solutions!