We are receiving lots of quarries on BS VI as supreme court id adamant stopping sales of BS IV vehicles by March 2020. How BS VI bikes are different and what will pro & cons of these bikes over BSIV. We will try to explain in simple way
What is BS6?
Before we understand about BS6 emission or BS6 compliant engine, let’s understand the current BS4 (BSIV) emission norms, engine, performance, and its significance.
Among the regulations set by the governing body, emission-related changes included tailpipe emissions, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), ignition control, etc. The most visible change was the AHO (Automatic Headlamp On), this is one of the norms under the BS4 which catered to the safety aspect of the new emission standards. When we say a motorcycle is BS6 compliant, there are certain parameters which make it eligible to be called so. The major deciding factor is the amount of emission of three gases – Carbon Monoxide (Co), Hydrocarbon (HC) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Now, there is a difference in the permitted quantity of emission of these gases in BS4 and BS6 norms.
For an engine to be compliant with BS4 regulations, the permitted CO, NOx and HC+NOx levels are 1.970gm/km, 0.20gm/km and 0.40gm/km, respectively. Under the BS6 regulations, HC and NOx are calculated separately. Here, while CO should be up to 1.0gm/km, the HC and NOx need to be under 0.10gm/km and 0.06gm/km. As can be observed, the granted level of emission of these toxic gases are considerably lesser under BS6 regulations as compared to BS4 norms.
Implications on consumers
Now, for achieving BS6 emission criteria regulations, motorcycle manufacturers need to employ certain equipment such as electronic fuel-injection (in place of carburetors) and larger catalytic converters. Owing to the higher development and manufacturing costs of these components, the prices of two-wheeler will surely increase. In fact, a few manufacturers have already introduced their BS6 compliant models such as the new Honda Activa 125 Fi and new Hero Splendor iSmart. These models have witnessed a price hike of around of 10 to 15 per cent as compared to their BS4 counterparts.
The consumers will also notice a slight drop in performance of the two-wheelers because of more restricted setup for consumption of fuel. For tackling with the same and retaining (or increasing) the power output, select bike makers are opting to increase the displacement of the engine.
BS-VI fuel
One of the major differences between BS6 and the incumbent BS4 is that the former contains five times lesser Sulphur content (10 parts per million) as compared to BS4 (50 ppm). Oxides of nitrogen (NOx), produced as a result of combustion, will be brought down by 70 per cent for diesel, and 25 per cent for petrol engines. Now, although Sulphur is Pollutant but having a great lubrication property which helps fuel pumps to work efficiently without any external lubrication aid.
Cons & disadvantages on BS VI Bikes
1. Performance: fuel mileage & power performance could be lesser than respective BS IV bikes 2. Fuel : BS VI fuel likely to be costlier. BS VI bikes should use only BS VI fuel, as BS IV petrol can clog or choke catalytic converters or special filters fitted in petrol line & exhaust 3. Maintenance: Maintenance cost may go high due to extra fittings & fuel pump 4. Resale: resale value of bike will be decided on success of BSVI technology in long run in practical environment
About Writer: Hemant Kumar is holding 18+ years of experience in driving operations, P&L, multi channel product distribution and marketing involving both start-ups and growth organizations. Handled strategic positions for diverse automotive leading brands like M&M, Escorts, Anand Group, AMW Trucks & dealership giants as AML Hyderabad.