BS6 is the latest and stricter emission norm in India. BS6 Stage 1 norms were implemented in April 2020, and BS6 Stage 2 norms came into effect in April 2021. The Stage 2 norms are more stringent and require further reduction of emissions from automobile engines.
The primary difference between BS6 Stage 1 and Stage 2 norms is the limit on particulate matter (PM) emissions. In Stage 1, the PM limit was set at 4.5 mg/km for diesel engines, and in Stage 2, the limit was reduced to 3 mg/km. Similarly, for petrol engines, the PM limit in Stage 1 was 6 mg/km, which was reduced to 4.5 mg/km in Stage 2.
Another significant difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 norms is the requirement for On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) in vehicles. OBD is a system that monitors the performance of various components of the engine and alerts the driver of any issues that need attention. In Stage 1, only a basic version of OBD was required, while in Stage 2, a more advanced OBD system is necessary.
The reduction of PM emissions and the introduction of advanced OBD systems in Stage 2 have led to the development of more sophisticated engines. The engines need to be redesigned to incorporate technologies such as particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction, and advanced fuel injection systems, among others.
| Aspect | BS6 Stage 1 | BS6 Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| PM Emissions Limit | 60 mg/km | 4.5 mg/km |
| NOx Emissions Limit | 80 mg/km | 50 mg/km |
| OBD Requirements | Basic | Advanced |
| Real Driving Emissions* | No | Yes |
| Additional Test Cycles* | No | Yes |
*Note: Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing involves measuring emissions during actual on-road driving conditions, rather than just in laboratory settings. Additional test cycles refer to specific driving conditions that may be used in RDE testing to be more accurately measure emissions.
As you can see, BS6 Stage 2 norms are more stringent than Stage 1 in several key areas, including lower limits for both PM and NOx emissions, advanced OBD requirements, and RDE testing. Additionally, Stage 2 requires additional test cycles to be conducted during RDE testing, which can make it more challenging for automakers to achieve compliance. However, these more stringent standards are important for improving air quality and reducing pollution in India.
In summary, the BS6 Stage 2 emissions norms are more stringent than the Stage 1 norms, with lower limits on particulate matter emissions and the requirement for advanced On-Board Diagnostics systems in vehicles. Compliance with BS6 Stage 2 norms results in cleaner emissions and better air quality.
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