India is gearing up for a huge change in how automobiles are produced and how much pollution they can emit. The change is called Bharat Stage 7 (BS7). Like the earlier Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) norms, BS7 will apparently follow the Euro 7 norms followed in Europe. All the new norms are aimed at making automobiles cleaner and greener.
Nothing has been said officially till now, but experts believe that BS7 norms could begin on July 1, 2025. Car companies have already begun looking forward to this change, and it will bring enormous changes in testing cars, manufacturing cars, and prices.
BS7 standards are designed to reduce the pollution created by all types of vehicles — petrol or diesel, not only those. Whether it is a normal car, van, bus, or even an electric vehicle, this rule will be applicable to all of them.
Below are some significant changes that BS7 standards will bring:
Did you know that cars don't only pollute from the exhaust pipe? When cars brake or when tires rub on the road, small particles of pollution are released into the air. They are called microplastics and brake dust. BS7 rules will put a cap on how much such pollution can occur.
This is among the biggest BS7 updates. OBM is a program that tracks your car's pollution levels around the clock. It can record and track emissions during the time the car is on. If there is ever a problem with the pollution levels, it will alert you and help correct it immediately.
Vehicles that comply with BS7 will be fitted with advanced sensors to identify any flaw in the system that can cause additional pollution. The sensors will assist in the early identification of problems and keep the vehicle clean.
Although EVs do not produce tailpipe pollution, BS7 regulations will also check them for problems like:
Battery lifespan
How efficiently a battery holds its charge over time
Safety of battery use over long distances
BS7 is not worried about gases only. It will regulate all the sources of pollution, including:
Exhaust gases
Minute dust from brakes
Particles due to tire wear
Though BS7 is environment-friendly, it might be hard for car makers as well as car buyers to follow.
Automobile manufacturers will have to spend a lot of money to add new systems like OBM and sensors. They will have to test cars under new regulations, which takes time and resources.
As automobile manufacturers spend more money to make BS7 cars, they will likely increase the cost of vehicles. Thus, cars may become more expensive for consumers.
It is a long process to upgrade to BS7. Car manufacturers may need to stop or slow down production while they make the change. This can lead to fewer cars on the lot and longer waiting lists for new buyers.
Some car models that are currently older may not meet BS7 standards. As it did when BS6 came, many models were phased out. So, it may also happen with BS7.
If some models of cars are phased out, there will be fewer options for buyers to choose from, and automakers will also lose some buyers.
Let's find out the difference between BS7 and BS6 in easy words:
Pollution Control: BS6 eliminated harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and tiny soot particles. BS7 will further tighten the regulations, trying to reach almost zero pollution.
Technology: BS6 cars use special filters and mechanisms to clean exhaust gases. BS7 cars will use more intelligent and advanced systems, coupled with more stringent tests and real-time testing of emissions.
Testing Rules: In BS6, vehicles were required to clear certain tests while they were running on roads. BS7 will have more serious and advanced road tests to ensure that the cars stay clean at all times.
Fuel: BS6 and BS7 need super-clean fuel with very low sulfur content. BS7 can also promote the use of electric and hybrid technology.
Mileage and Price: BS6 cars gave better mileage but were more expensive than previous cars. BS7 cars can give even better fuel efficiency, but will be more expensive because of higher technology.
Environmental Impact: BS7 will further purify the air and allow India to fight climate change with even more ferocity.
No launch date has yet been announced for when BS7 will start. Nevertheless, certain news outlets point to July 1, 2025, as the time when automobile makers will have to comply with BS7 standards.
Although the government has not made a formal announcement, car manufacturers are already gearing up. Some of them are already testing new models and technologies so they are available in time.
If you are going to buy a car in the near future, here are some things you should consider:
If you want to have your vehicle for many years, a BS7-approved vehicle might be the better choice, but you will possibly have to wait and pay more.
If you want to save money, buying a BS6 vehicle prior to when BS7 comes into effect may be a more intelligent move.
Track news and reports from carmakers or the government so you'll know exactly when BS7 norms begin.
BS7 is a giant step in the direction of a greener and cleaner India. BS7 will make automobiles intelligent, safe, and clean. Yet, it will bring in some discomfort like added cost and fewer choices in the short term.
Once India takes this leap, we all will enjoy improved air and a cleaner world.
Read More: BS7 Launch Date Confirmed in India: Is Your Car Ready for the 2025 Pollution Crackdown?
BS7 rules are implemented to reduce car pollution and purify the air so that it can be easier to breathe.
Yes. Even hybrids and electric vehicles will be tested under BS7 for tire and brake pollution and battery life.
Yes. Similar to how BS6 was based on Euro 6, BS7 will be based on Euro 7 norms applied in Europe.
Discontinuation of some automobile models that cannot be upgraded to BS7 standards.