23 Apr 2024
The government is actively strategizing the implementation of stringent emission norms, specifically focusing on the introduction of BS-VII and CAFE-III standards. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to combat air pollution stemming from vehicular emissions. While these norms are slated to be integrated into the transport sector's sustainability roadmap for the upcoming five years, there is a concerted effort to expedite their rollout.
The government is actively strategizing the implementation of stringent emission norms, specifically focusing on the introduction of BS-VII and CAFE-III standards. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to combat air pollution stemming from vehicular emissions. While these norms are slated to be integrated into the transport sector's sustainability roadmap for the upcoming five years, there is a concerted effort to expedite their rollout.
Bharat Stage (BS) norms, which regulate vehicle emissions in India, share similarities with the 'Euro' emission standards enforced across Europe. The European Commission has recently proposed the Euro-7 standards, set to come into effect for cars by July 2025 and for buses and lorries by 2027. India finds itself compelled to align with these standards for two key reasons: to mitigate emissions and to facilitate the export of domestically manufactured vehicles to European markets.
CAFE-III, or Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency standards, encompass regulations imposed on the entire fleet of carmakers. These regulations entail limits on the collective carbon dioxide emissions produced by all vehicles within a fiscal year. The overarching objective of CAFE norms is to incentivize manufacturers to produce vehicles that are not only more fuel-efficient but also emit fewer pollutants. The phased implementation of CAFE norms, which commenced in 2018, aims to achieve a target CO2 emission rate of 130 grams per kilometer by 2022-23, with further reductions to 113 grams per kilometer thereafter.
Sources suggest that the stringent enforcement of emission norms and CAFE standards is poised to significantly drive the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Considering that the road transport sector accounts for over 12% of India's energy-related CO2 emissions, it remains a primary contributor to urban air pollution. By proactively addressing vehicular emissions through the adoption of advanced emission standards and fuel efficiency norms, the government seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of air pollution on public health and the environment.
Furthermore, the transition towards EVs is expected to not only curb air pollution but also reduce the nation's dependence on fossil fuels, thereby bolstering energy security and promoting sustainable development. Therefore, the forthcoming implementation of BS-VII and CAFE-III standards marks a pivotal step towards fostering a cleaner, greener future for India's transportation sector.
The detailed article published by timesofindia.indiatimes.com can be accessed from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/government-preparing-plans-to-roll-out-bs-vii-cafe-iii-emission-norms/articleshow/109324798.cms
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