Government Sets Stricter Emission Norms for SCVs to Ensure Cleaner Environment

In an urge to keep the environment clean, the government of India along with various other governing bodies is taking several precautionary steps, and commercial vehicle emission norms regulation is their utmost priority. After mandating BS-IV emission norms for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs), the government is now targeting the small commercial vehicle (SCV) niche market. Tightening their noose on SCVs, the governing bodies are planning to regulate BS-V and BS-VI emission norms by the year 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, respectively in the sub one-tonne GVW vehicles. This can affect manufacturers of leading vehicles such as Tata ACE, Ashok Leyland Dost, Bajaj Maxima C and Mahindra Jeeto.

However, the manufacturers are concerned as it would be an arduous task for them to fit all SCVs with new technologies and solutions to meet the new emission norms. Adding to their anxiety is the current Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) technology, a must, that does not support low powered vehicles.

With BS-III and BS-IV currently being the cult in SCV market, these soon-to-come government mandate is likely to affect the sales as the prices of the vehicles conforming to the new norms would increase (and SCVs hold 11% share of the total commercial vehicle sales). Commenting on the situation, a senior industry expert said, “There are no BS V or VI solutions for sub one-tonne vehicles such as Tata Ace and Mahindra Maxximo currently. When the industry is working on moving towards BS V standards by 2019, which will reduce emissions by 95%, what is the need to rush to BS VI standards with a gap of only two years.” He further added, “There should be a lead time of at least 3-4 years before the introduction of the next phase so that we can develop appropriate solutions.”

On the other hand, many vehicle manufactures are also taking innovative steps to do their bit for the environment. In a recent move, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has expanded its solar field at Chennai plant, thus helping in sustainability and also generating 3.3 megawatts energy than what was 0.8 megawatts earlier. Volvo is also toying with the prototype of a concept truck which can reduce fuel consumption by a third, thus helping reduce running costs.

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