Centre proposes BS VII norms for new cars from April 2029, with limits on brake and tyre pollution

The Centre is moving to tighten emission norms further to reduce air pollution from vehicles in the country. As part of this, the government has proposed implementing BS VII norms for new cars from April 2029. The proposal calls for strict controls not only on exhaust emissions but also on the durability of electric car batteries and on pollution from brakes and tyres.

Bharat Stage (BS) norms are applied to keep harmful gases from vehicle exhaust in check. BS VI norms are currently in force in the country. They are important in controlling nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other pollutants emitted by vehicles. Once BS VII comes into force, emission limits could be set even tighter. However, what the final rules will be, how wide their scope will be and when they will take effect will be determined only by the government's official notification.

Carmakers could be affected. If the new rules come in, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra and other companies may have to make changes to their engine technology, exhaust systems and pollution control systems. Greater attention could also be paid to vehicle testing, measurement of emissions in real-world conditions and compliance. Companies may have to increase investment in research and production processes for this.

The question of prices is also being raised. If spending on technology goes up, prices of some models are likely to be affected. But how much costlier a car becomes will depend on the type of engine, the company's strategy and the changes required. Rather than rushing to buy a car on hearing talk of BS VII, it would be wiser to wait for official announcements.

Those planning to buy a new car in 2026 or 2027 need not postpone the purchase only because of the proposed BS VII. While choosing a car that meets current BS VI norms, buyers should look at mileage, safety rating, maintenance cost and the petrol, diesel, CNG or electric option that suits their use. How much BS VII will matter for a purchase will become clear only after the final rules and the date of implementation are fixed.

According to the government's proposal, BS VII will apply to new passenger cars from April 2029. Further phases are proposed for April 2031 and April 2035. The final timetable will be set by the official notification.

There is no need to replace an existing BS VI car immediately. The proposal is that the new norms apply to vehicles manufactured from the respective dates. Because new emission control systems, testing and other technology are likely to raise companies' costs, the prices of some cars could go up. How much they rise will depend on the final rules and the company.