BS-VII Rules Proposed For 2029: What New-Car Buyers Should Know

The government has proposed bringing Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) standards into force for new passenger cars from April 1, 2029. The draft rules would broaden how vehicle pollution is measured and monitored and introduce requirements covering brake particles, tyre wear, and electric-vehicle (EV) batteries.

The proposal applies to M1 vehicles, a category that includes passenger cars. It would be introduced in phases, with further requirements scheduled for April 2031 and April 2035. The draft has been issued for public comments before the government considers amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

For buyers, the proposal does not mean existing BS-VI cars will suddenly have to meet the new rules. The main changes would apply to vehicles made after the relevant deadlines. The final requirements and their effect on vehicle prices will depend on the rules eventually notified and how manufacturers meet them.

Real-World Tests And Vehicle Monitoring

India has followed BS-VI standards nationwide since April 2020. Under the draft, carmakers would have to demonstrate compliance through laboratory tests as well as real-world driving emissions tests. On-road tests using portable measurement systems are proposed from April 2030, according to a recent PTI report.

The draft also provides for on-board systems to monitor emissions and fuel or electric-energy consumption. These would be able to detect emissions at levels above prescribed limits. An Environmental Vehicle Passport would give owners information such as fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and battery health.

The proposed exhaust limits for M1 vehicles include carbon monoxide of 1000 milligrams per kilometre for petrol-type engines and 500 mg per km for diesel engines. The nitrogen oxide limits are 60 mg per km for petrol-type engines and 80 mg per km for diesel engines. The proposed particulate-matter limit is 4.5 mg per km for both.

The framework covers several fuel types, including petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas, ethanol blends, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles. It also provides for petrol and diesel cars with geofencing technology to be approved as BS-VII-G vehicles. Manufacturers would have to declare and label compatibility with ethanol blends above E20.

Brake, Tyre, And Battery Requirements Phased In

From April 2031, the draft proposes limits on particles released through brake wear: three mg per km for pure electric vehicles and seven mg per km for specified hybrid, fuel-cell and internal-combustion vehicles. From April 2035, the proposed limit would be three mg per km across powertrains. Tyre-abrasion requirements are also proposed from April 2031, but the limits are to be notified separately.

FAQs

Will the proposed BS-VII rules apply to existing BS-VI cars?
No. The draft requirements are for vehicles made after the relevant implementation dates; existing BS-VI cars would not have to be upgraded.

What changes are proposed under BS-VII?
The draft adds real-world emissions testing and on-board monitoring, alongside phased limits for brake particles and tyre wear.

What battery durability is proposed for EVs and plug-in hybrids?
Batteries would need to retain at least 75 per cent performance for five years or one lakh km, and 67 per cent for up to eight years or 1.6 lakh km, whichever comes first.