The journey towards reduction of vehicular emissions has entered its 25th year in India since the time the first phase of clean air norms was introduced in 1992. Since then, rules have become steadily tighter every four years on an average.

The industry is now gearing up for the next big challenge of Bharat Stage IV (BS IV), which will now be a reality across India from April 1, 2017. BS emission standards, modelled on European Union norms, debuted in 2000 with the objective of regulating output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine in automobiles and other machines. At present, BS IV norms are in place in 33 cities that can access the required grade of fuel.

With BS IV, the overall reduction in pollutants achieved is around 85 per cent. Here, emission controls would require after-treatment systems that makes the availability and use of right quality fuel critical.

In addition, on board diagnostic, or OBD, is a key component of BS IV. It helps detect failures, deterioration, or tampering that leads to higher emissions and/or reduces the efficiency of the system.

OBD also informs the driver about any failure through a malfunction indicator lamp. This is then stored in data to facilitate a quick repair. OBD makes data available for inspection and maintenance programme checks and limits vehicle performance/mobility in the event of critical errors that could increase emissions. For commercial vehicles, BS IV brings in more electronics into a mechanical product like the engine. Bodybuilders, mechanics and drivers must be trained to use these products.

The next big step should have been BS V by 2020 but the Centre has decided to skip this and move directly to BS VI. As a result, oil companies have to upgrade their fuel quality, while manufacturers need to be ready super low emission vehicles. BS VI norms demand a drastic reduction in NOx and particulate matter to a tenth of BS IV levels.

There is really no choice but for industry to commit itself to R&D. We need new-generation automobile engines with electronically-controlled common rail fuel injection systems that can produce high torque even at lower speeds. Equipment must be customised or reengineered.

These include core components such as exhaust after treatment system that reduces emissions, diesel oxidation catalyst, full-flow diesel particulate filter and the selective catalytic reduction unit integrated with the silencer.

There is a need for rethink in design. The infusion of new technologies will affect vehicle design. To fit the diesel particulate filter, for instance, the bonnet length of the vehicle must be increased by about 400 mm. Likewise, the air intake systems in buses need to be redesigned and fuel systems in trucks completely revamped. While all these have cost implications, it must also be borne in mind that there will be higher excise levy to cough up too, since length of vehicles will increase.

Yet, the challenge can be met by a significant leap in technological capability, strong dose of Indian ingenuity along with the Centre helping out on the regulatory front. Industry estimates a spend of ₹50,000 crore on technology, design, and getting ancillary units equipped to face the challenge. The good news is that leapfrogging directly to BS VI does away with a two-step cost increase.

Auto Expo 2016 showcased Ashok Leyland’s 4940 Euro 6 compliant truck, which assures the best in performance, mileage and emissions. We are ready to roll!

The writer is Chief Technical Officer, Ashok Leyland

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