What are BS4?
The BS4 standards started in 2017 with stricter pollution rules. BS4 stands for Bharat Stage Emission Standards 4. BS6 is the latest, skipping BS5. It has the toughest rules to cut pollution.To control car and bike pollution, India's government made Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES) rules.
The government says all vehicle makers must only make, sell, and register BS6 (BSVI) vehicles from April 1, 2020.
The organization responsible for regulating vehicle emissions, known as BSES, initiated the first set of emission standards called 'India 2000' in the year 2000. Subsequently, BS2 and BS3 standards were introduced in 2005 and 2010, respectively. The implementation of BS4 norms began in 2017, characterized by more stringent emission requirements compared to previous standards.
What are BS6?
The BS6 emission standard is the latest version, and it's a big step forward in reducing pollution compared to BS4. They skipped BS5 to go straight to BS6 for even cleaner air.BS VI fuel has lower levels of sulphur, the main polluting agent in fuels. Removal of sulphur from fuel is a complex process, and it costs as much, making fuel costlier to buy.
Difference between BS4 and BS6
The main difference between BS4 and BS6 is the type of fuel used by them. BS6 engines use fuel that contains less sulphur. Hence, BSVI engines produce less harmful emissions and pollutants. Whereas BS4 engines use fuel with real sulphur, hence, more harmful emissions and pollutants are emitted.
To regulate the pollution emitted by cars and two-wheelers, the government of India has put forth regulations known as Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES).
| NORMS | BS4 | BS6 |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | 80mg/km (petrol engines), 250mg/km (diesel cars) | 60mg/km (petrol engines), 80mg/km (diesel cars) |
| Particulate Matter (PM) | 25mg/km (diesel cars), not specified for petrol | 4.5mg/km (diesel cars), 4.5mg/km (petrol engines) |
| Sulphur Content in Fuel | 50 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Additive Properties | None | Additives imitating lubrication properties of Sulphur |
| Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) | Not available | Required |
| Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) | Not available | Required |
| Real Driving Emission (RDE) | Not paired with BS4 | Implemented alongside BS6 norms |
| Onboard Diagnostic (OD) | Not introduced with BS4 | Introduced with BS6 |
| Fuel Compatibility | BS4 engine using BS6 fuel increases emissions | BS6 engine requires BS6 fuel |
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What are the benefits of BS6 standards?
• Eco-conscious Driver:
With BS6 compliant cars, you can drive vehicles prioritizing emission reduction for cleaner air, making you an environment warrior.
• Reduced NOx Emissions:
Opting for a BS6 petrol model cuts combustion-based emissions by 25%.
• Environmental Responsibility:
Choosing BS6 vehicles aligns with global norms, fostering environmental conservation.
•Advanced Technology:
BS6 offers fuel-efficient engines with real-time emission monitoring systems.
• Cleaner Combustion:
Advanced engines minimize pollutants like PM and NOx, ensuring a greener driving experience.
• Technological Advancements:
The lineup includes eight BS6 compliant models, showcasing cutting-edge technology.
•Fuel Compatibility:
BS6 petrol vehicles are compatible with BS4 fuel, offering flexibility in fuel usage.
• Climate Contribution:
Embracing BS6 technology supports India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions per the Paris Climate Agreement.
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BS4 Norms
BS4 Norms (Bharat Stage 4) are the emission standards for vehicles introduced by the Indian government to regulate the amount of pollutants released by internal combustion engine vehicles. These norms were implemented in India to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, following the model set by the Euro 4 emissions standards. BS4 norms were in effect from April 2017 until the transition to BS6 norms in April 2020.
BS6 Norms
BS6 Norms (Bharat Stage 6) are the latest set of emission standards introduced by the Indian government to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants released by vehicles. These norms are part of India's effort to tackle air pollution and promote cleaner, more environmentally friendly vehicles. The BS6 norms came into effect on April 1, 2020, replacing the previous BS4 norms (with a leapfrogged jump, skipping BS5).
When did BS4 and BS6 started in india?
The abbreviation of ‘BS’ is Bharat Stage and is suffixed with the iteration of the particular emission norms. The Indian emissions standards are based on the lines of European norms commonly known as EURO 2, EURO 3, and so on. The first regulations with the moniker India 2000 were introduced in 2000, with the second and third iterations introduced in 2001 and 2005 with the moniker BSII (BS2) and BSIII (BS3), respectively.
The fourth iteration of BSIV or BS4 was introduced in 2017, and the delay between the introduction of BS3 and BS4 resulted in fast-tracking the BSVI or BS6 emission instead of BSV or BS5 norms. Each of these emission norms has stricter emission standards compared to its predecessors.
| Emission Standard | Reference | Year of Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| India 2000 | EURO 1 | 2000 |
| Bharat Stage II (BS2) | EURO 2 | 2005 |
| Bharat Stage III (BS3) | EURO 3 | 2010 |
| Bharat Stage IV (BS4) | EURO 4 | 2017 |
| Bharat Stage V (BS5) | EURO 5 | To be skipped |
| Bharat Stage VI (BS6) | EURO 6 | 2020 |
Fine over BS4 during GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan)?
Those who are found violating the norms will have to pay a fine of ₹ 20,000
FAQs Based on BS4 and BS6
Q: What is the power difference between BS4 and BS6?
A: The power difference between BS4 and BS6 depends on the vehicle’s model and engine technology. BS6 engines typically offer better power output and performance because of their improved combustion efficiency and cutting-edge technology.
Q: Is BS6 more fuel efficient than BS4?
A: Unfortunately, BS4 engines may not offer better fuel efficiency even if their engines are designed to be more eco-friendly. Fuel efficiency depends on various factors such as vehicle weight, individual driving habits, and engine design.
Q: How do BS6 diesel engines reduce pollution?
A: The BSVI engine uses a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit and AdBlue fluid to convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water, requiring periodic refills.
Q: Is BS6 mileage better than BS4?
A: No, BS6 mileage is not better than BS4. However, BS6 engines are designed to be more eco-friendly.
Q: What is the full form of BS4 and BS6?
A: BS4 stands for Bharat Stage Emission Standards 4, and BS6 stands for Bharat Stage Emission Standards 6.
