Vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), irrespective of their wheel count, emit certain gases that are harmful to everyone. Though the level of gases emitted may differ, the inescapable fact is that every vehicle does emit harmful gases in certain quantities. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India formed the Central Pollution Control Board in 2000 to tackle this issue. The board is responsible for implementing the Bharat Stage or BS Emission Standards.
Currently, the VIth version of these standards called BSVI is in effect and mandatory in all newly-sold vehicles in India. Under these standards, these engines can emit only a certain amount of hazardous gases into the environment. Taking inspiration from Europe to curb the pollution levels, India has had BSIV standards before this. Let’s understand the difference between BSIV and BSVI, and see which one’s better.
What Is BSIV?
Made mandatory in 2017, BSIV or BS4 or Bharat Stage Emission Standards 4 imposed restrictions on both, petrol and diesel vehicles. These standards were put in place to curb the rise in pollution levels caused by vehicles. Exhaust gases are a mix of harmful gases like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter. Not only do these harmful gases affect the environment but also have serious hazardous effects on the human body.
Under these, petrol-powered vehicles were not allowed to emit more than 1.0 g/km of carbon monoxide, 0.18 g/km of hydrocarbons+nitrogen oxides discharge, and respirable suspended particulate matter discharge of 0.025 mg/km. In diesel-run vehicles, the number for carbon monoxide was 0.50 g/km, nitrous oxide 0.25 g/km, and hydrocarbons+nitrogen oxides discharge was 0.30 g/km. The sulphur content in the BSIV-compliant fuels came down to 50 parts per million.
| PETROL-POWERED | DIESEL-POWERED | |
| Carbon Monoxide | 1.0 g/km | 0.50 g/km |
| Hydrocarbons + Nitrogen Oxides Discharge | 0.18 g/km | 0.30 g/km |
| Suspended Particulate Matter Discharge | 0.025 mg/km | – |
| Nitrous Oxide | – | 0.25 g/km |
What Is BSVI?
BSVI came into force in April 2020 as an upgrade to BSIV. After skipping BSV due to delays in the process, BSVI is much stricter than the previous standards. It is the new set of regulations that are followed by every vehicle on the road. Here, petrol cars are mandated to limit their tailpipe emissions to 1.0 g/km of carbon monoxide, 0.16 g/km of combined hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide discharge, and a respirable suspended particulate matter discharge of 0.05 mg/km.
For diesel cars, the limit for carbon monoxides is 0.50 g/km, for nitrous oxide is 0.06 g/km, and for hydrocarbons+nitrogen oxides discharge is 0.17 g/km. The sulphur content in BSVI-compliant fuels is now restricted to 10 parts per million.
| PETROL-POWERED | DIESEL-POWERED | |
| Carbon Monoxide | 1.0 g/km | 0.50 g/km |
| Hydrocarbons + Nitrogen Oxides Discharge | 0.16 g/km | 0.17 g/km |
| Suspended Particulate Matter Discharge | 0.05 mg/km | – |
| Nitrous Oxide | – | 0.06 g/km |
The Difference Between BSIV And BSVI
The main difference between BSIV and BSVI is that the vehicles that comply with BSVI fuels are 25% cleaner. This is done by reducing the nitrogen oxide amount from 80 mg/km to 60 mg/km. Similarly, in diesel cars, BSVI norms are focused on reducing three pollutants which include nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter reduction by 43, 68, and 82 percent respectively. The use of the latest engines helps vehicle manufacturers to achieve these goals.
Another major difference between BSIV and BSVI is the type of fuel these engines take. For BSIV fuel, the sulphur concentration is 50 PPM while in BSVI fuel, it’s 10 PPM. This makes the BSVI fuel much cleaner and less harmful. It’s necessary to use a BSVI fuel in a BSVI engine or else it’ll be a norm violation. BSVI engines usually have a longer life.
Summing Up
The government has played an increasingly active role in the effort to lower rising pollution levels. Stricter regulations have made a significant impact which is why the newer versions keep on coming. With all these upgrades coming in, it is necessary to have your vehicles insured in the event of an accident, as expenses for repairs could go beyond budgets. Top lending institutions like IndoStar Capital Finance now provide complimentary insurance offerings such as vehicle insurance, accidental damage and life cover along with vehicle loans.
Finally, vehicle users should also take steps towards curbing air and noise pollution levels by adhering to basic precautions such as regular vehicle maintenance, using good quality fuel, and good driving habits.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between BSIV And BSVI?
The main difference between BSIV and BSVI is in the amount of emissions allowed. In BSIV, the norms around emissions are not as strict as in BSVI. Due to this, the pollutants released by a BSVI are much lesser leading to less air pollution.
How Do I Know If My Engine Is BS4 Or BS6?
To check whether your engine is BSIV or BSVI, you can look for it on the registration certificate, RTO form 21, and also with the help of the manufacturing date and VIN.
Should I Buy BS6 Or BS4?
One of the main differences between the two engines is the type of fuel they use. In BSVI engines, the fuel contains lesser amounts of sulphur. This leads to lesser emissions of harmful gases and pollutants. On the other hand, BSIV engines use fuel with a comparatively higher amount of sulphur which leads to more emission of harmful gases.
