Home >
Trucks>
Blog

Top 5 Reasons to Switch from BS4 to BS6 Engines

To combat the increasing levels of air pollution in India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) established the Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES). These standards aim to control the pollutants emitted by vehicle engines, helping to keep the air cleaner and healthier. With the introduction of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) regulations, it's essential to understand why switching from BS4 to BS6 is crucial. In this blog, we will explore the top five reasons to make this transition.

BS4 to BS6 Engines

Understanding Bharat Stage Emission Standards

Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES) are based on European emission regulations and focus on reducing harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides emitted by vehicles. Since the introduction of BS4 in 2010, the standards have become increasingly stringent, with BS4 being enforced across India in 2017.

Understanding the BS4 Transition

BS4, introduced in 2017, marked a significant advancement from the earlier BS3 norms. This standard reduced the permissible levels of harmful emissions from vehicles, including:

Carbon monoxide: Limited to 1.2 g/km for petrol vehicles.
Hydrocarbons plus nitrogen oxides: Restricted to 0.18 g/km.
Respirable suspended particulate matter: Capped at 0.025 g/km.
The implementation of BS4 led to the banning of BS3 vehicles, pushing the industry towards a more pollution-free environment.

Introduction to BS6

BS6, effective from April 1, 2020, skipped BS5 entirely and introduced more stringent regulations. The primary focus of BS6 is to further reduce the sulphur content in fuels, dropping it from 50 parts per million (ppm) in BS4 to just 10 ppm in BS6. This change is crucial in combating pollution levels and enhancing air quality. BS6 norms apply to all types of vehicles, including cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, mini-trucks, trucks, and buses.

1. Lower Emissions for Cleaner Air

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to BS6 engines is the significant reduction in harmful emissions. BS6 norms are much stricter compared to BS4, leading to a reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by:

70% for diesel engines
25% for petrol engines

This means that vehicles with BS6 engines emit far fewer pollutants, contributing to improved air quality. In a country like India, where air pollution is a pressing issue, this change is essential for the health of citizens and the environment.

2. Better Fuel Quality

BS6 vehicles require a different type of fuel that has a much lower sulphur content. While BS4 fuel can contain up to 50 ppm of sulphur, BS6 fuel limits this to just 10 ppm.

This change in fuel quality is crucial for several reasons:

Reduced Engine Wear: Lower sulphur content means less harmful residue builds up in the engine, leading to better performance and longevity.
Improved Combustion: BS6 fuel burns cleaner, leading to better fuel efficiency and more power from the same amount of fuel.
Switching to BS6 not only benefits the environment but also enhances the performance and durability of your vehicle.

3. Enhanced Vehicle Technology

BS6 vehicles come equipped with advanced technology designed to reduce emissions. Many of these vehicles include:

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): This system uses a special fluid (urea) to convert harmful NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): This filter traps and reduces particulate matter (soot) from diesel engines.

These technological advancements make BS6 vehicles more efficient and reliable. By investing in a BS6 engine, you are not just complying with regulations; you are also benefiting from the latest in automotive technology.

4. Future-Proofing Your Vehicle

As the world moves towards stricter environmental standards, choosing a BS6 engine prepares you for the future. Many cities in India are planning to implement even tougher regulations to combat pollution. By switching to a BS6 engine, you are:

Ensuring Compliance: BS6 vehicles are more likely to comply with future regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.
Increasing Resale Value: As BS6 becomes the norm, vehicles that meet these standards will likely have a better resale value compared to older BS4 vehicles.
Investing in a BS6 engine is now a smart choice for the long term.

5. Government Incentives and Support

The Indian government is actively promoting the adoption of BS6 vehicles through various incentives and initiatives. This includes:

Subsidies: In some regions, buyers may receive financial assistance when purchasing a BS6 vehicle.
Tax Benefits: Certain states offer tax exemptions for BS6 vehicles, making them more affordable.
By switching to BS6, you can take advantage of these benefits, making it a financially sound decision.

Tata Ace Gold: Transitioning from BS4 to BS6

With the introduction of BS6 emission norms in April 1, 2020, Tata Motors has upgraded its popular Ace Gold mini trucks to comply with these stringent standards. The new BS6 lineup aims to significantly reduce air pollution levels and align with international standards like Euro 6.

Key Features of Tata Ace Gold BS6

The Tata Ace Gold BS6 is available in diesel, petrol, and CNG variants, ensuring flexibility for various business needs. The truck offers the "Promise of 6," which includes:

Higher Mileage: Enhanced fuel efficiency to cut operational costs.
Higher Pick-Up: Improved performance for better load handling.
Higher Payload Capacity: Increased ability to carry heavier loads, maximizing profits.
Higher Comfort & Convenience: Upgraded features for a better driving experience.
Low Maintenance Costs: Improved engineering leads to fewer service requirements.
Higher Profits: Overall advancements ensuring better revenue potential.

Major Differences: BS4 vs. BS6

Fuel Type: BS6 uses fuel with lower sulfur content, resulting in fewer harmful emissions.
Emission Standards: BS6 reduces NOx emissions by 70% compared to BS4.
Fuel Economy: A 10% increase in fuel economy for BS6 models.
Service Costs: A 6% decrease in service costs compared to BS4.

The Tata Ace Gold BS6 not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances performance and sustainability, making it a top choice for customers.

Conclusion

Switching from BS4 to BS6 engines is a critical step toward a cleaner and healthier future. With lower emissions, enhanced fuel quality, advanced technologies, and economic incentives, the benefits of adopting BS6 standards are clear.

As India faces rising air pollution levels, making the transition to BS6 engines is not just about compliance; it’s about investing in a sustainable future. By embracing BS6 standards, vehicle owners contribute to improving air quality while ensuring their vehicles remain efficient and relevant. In the fight against pollution, every step counts, and switching to a BS6 engine is a significant leap in the right direction.