The Indian Government is set to implement stricter emission norms with regard to two-wheelers in view of reducing pollution. The emission levels of two-wheelers are cited to be reduced whereas the prices are expected to be hiked by a margin of Rs. 1500/- to Rs. 10,000/- by 2015. After careful perusal of Indian market requirements, the new emission norms for two-wheelers to be sold from 2015 have been finalised and the same will be notified to manufacturers shortly.
The emission norms to be implemented for two-wheelers in India from 2015 will be unique since the norms present in the European Union will not be followed similarly as we do for cars, buses and trucks. It is a fact that two-wheelers in the country account for 75 percent of market share and implementing these new norms will result in cut down of emissions by at least 25 percent. Two-wheelers will have to undergo engine refinement, get after-treatment devices and also a evaporative emission control unit so as to conform to the new laws. Mass-market motorcycles will see a price hike of Rs. 1500/- whereas superbikes will be sold after a Rs. 10,000/- hike from the current prices.
In addition to the regular advancements on the engine to make them cleaner and equipped with improved exhaust catalytic converter, all new bikes are mandatorily expected to come with evaporative emission control unit. Fuel passes from the fuel tank to the engine through a fuel pipe. Whilst stationary, the bike loses out on fuel due to evaporation from this pipe. The advanced evaporative emission control unit prevents the loss of fuel due to evaporation.
A self-devised testing procedure for emissions is being followed since the commission of the last emission norms in 2010 here in India. Now a new testing procedure known as Worldwide Harmonised Testing Cycle will be implemented once the new norms come into effect. This is similar to the norms followed in global markets such as Europe and other places. Emission norms are becoming stringent in India every five years. Hero MotoCorp is already in the process of implementing the new norms and says that there will not be any delay in the implementation of these norms once notified. This is another step taken by the Indian Government towards controlling environmental pollution caused by the millions of two-wheelers in the country.
