Difference Between BSIV & BSVI Engine: BS4, BS6 Performance

Every year, we see global temperatures rising due to continuous pollution. Vehicular pollution is one of the biggest factors behind this ^[1]. The Indian government has been taking various steps to tackle this problem. One of the concerns in this direction has been to limit the emission that is generated via the bikes that people ride on a daily basis. You may have heard the terms BS4 and BS6 being used repeatedly when it comes to bikes and the pollution they can cause. It is important that you understand the differences between the two terms and if it impacts the price of your bike insurance. More information for the same has been given below.

What are emission norms?

Before we get to the differentiation part, let us first understand what the emission norms are. Emission norms are regulations set by the government to limit the amount of pollutants that vehicles can emit into the environment. In India, the Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms are used to regulate the emissions of vehicles. In 2017, BS4 norms were introduced by the government across India. BS4 was replaced by BS6 emission norms in 2020. Here are the two major emission norms that you may find in India:

What is BS4 (BSIV)?

BS4 emission norms were introduced in 2010 in a few states before being enforced across India in 2017. It was introduced to set limits for the amount of pollutants that vehicles can emit into the environment. These norms applied to all vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers. The main pollutant controlled by BS4 norms is nitrogen oxide (NOx). BS4 norms used the Euro IV emission standards, which set limits for NOx at 80mg for petrol vehicles such as bikes. These norms also set limits for other pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).

What is BS6 (BSVI)?

BS6 emission norms were introduced to replace BS4 norms in April 2020. These norms are more stringent and have even lower limits for pollutants emitted by vehicles. The main pollutants controlled by BS6 norms will be PM and NOx, just like BS4 norms. BS6 norms uses the Euro VI emission standards, which set limits for PM at 4.5mg/km and for NOx at 60mg for petrol vehicles. These limits are significantly lower than the limits set by BS4 norms. BS6 norms have also set limits for other pollutants such as HC and CO, but these limits are almost similar to the limits set by BS4 norms.

How Do BS6 (BSVI) Diesel Engines Work?

BS6 diesel engines incorporate advanced technology such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel particulate filters (DPF) to minimise pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These engines use low-sulphur fuel and advanced exhaust systems to ensure that emissions are kept within strict limits. The implementation of these technologies helps vehicles comply with the stringent emission standards set under the BS6 full form norms.

Difference Between BS4 and BS6 Emission Norms

As you can see, the main difference between BS4 and BS6 emission norms is the level of pollutants that vehicles are allowed to emit into the environment. BS6 norms have been made more stringent to reduce the amount of pollutants being emitted from bikes. Therefore, the limits are lower for pollutants, particularly PM and NOx, than BS4 norms. Other points of difference include:

Parameter	BS4 Norms	BS6 Norms
Emission Standard	Permits higher levels of NOx and PM.	Drastically reduces NOx and PM levels.
Fuel Type	Higher sulphur content (50 ppm).	Low sulphur content (10 ppm).
OBD Norms	Basic OBD standards.	Advanced OBD standards with real-time data.
Technology Requirement	Conventional technology.	Advanced technology like SCR and DPF.

Difference Between BS4 and BS6 Fuels

Fuel Component	BS4 Fuel	BS6 Fuel
Sulphur Content	50 parts per million (ppm)	10 parts per million (ppm)
Engine Compatibility	Compatible with BS4 engines only.	Suitable for both BS4 and BS6 engines.
Impact on Emissions	Higher emissions due to more sulphur.	Lower emissions due to less sulphur.

Impact of BS6 norms

The introduction of BS6 norms had a significant impact on the automotive industry in India. Manufacturers have invested in the new technology to meet the more stringent emission limits set by BS6 norms. This has led to an increase in the cost of vehicles and insurance policies. You can use the two-wheeler insurance premium calculator to see the difference between the cost of BS4 and BS6 two-wheeler insurance. With time, BS6 norms may have a positive impact on the environment as vehicles will emit fewer pollutants into the air. This will lead to improved air quality, which will have a positive impact on public health. But more importantly, this might benefit the environment in the long run.

Conclusion

Overall, the BS4 and BS6 emission norms are aimed at reducing the pollution caused by vehicles, improving the overall air quality, and helping in the recovery of our environment. If you have a bike with either of the engines, it is vital to do the timely renewal of your two-wheeler insurance  to enjoy its safety and additional features. For more information on vehicle insurance and the transition to BS6 engines, you can visit the Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company website.

FAQs

1. Why is BS4 better than BS6?

BS4 engines are simpler and more affordable. However, they emit more pollutants compared to BS6 engines, making them less environmentally friendly.

2. Can BS4 vehicles run on BS6 fuel?

Yes, BS4 vehicles can run on BS6 fuel. Using BS6 fuel in BS4 engines results in lower emissions, but there are no performance benefits.

3. Why India shifted from BS4 to BS6?

India shifted to BS6 norms to reduce air pollution and comply with global emission standards, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier environment.

4. When will BS4 stop in India?

The sale and registration of BS4 vehicles stopped in India from April 1, 2020, after the implementation of BS6 norms. *Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.