Air pollution from vehicles is a growing concern in India, especially as traffic continues to increase. To tackle this issue, stricter emission standards were introduced with BS6 Phase I in 2020, focusing mainly on pollution levels measured under controlled laboratory conditions.
However, real-world driving is far from controlled. Stop-and-go traffic, sudden acceleration, and varying road conditions can all influence how much a vehicle actually pollutes. Recognising this gap, BS6 Phase II brought in Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms in 2023, ensuring that vehicles remain environmentally compliant not just in labs, but on the road as well.
What are Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Norms?
Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms are standards that measure the pollution your vehicle produces on real roads. Instead of relying only on laboratory tests, these norms check emissions during normal driving conditions such as city traffic, highways, and different speeds.
A Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) is attached to the vehicle and measures pollutants such as NOx and CO₂ in real time. In India, RDE emission norms were introduced under BS6 Phase II in April 2023 to ensure vehicles meet emission limits during everyday driving.
What are the Key Changes Under the RDE Norms?
Under RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms, manufacturers must ensure that vehicles remain within emission limits even during everyday driving conditions. Key changes include:
- Onboard Diagnostic (OBD2) systems: Vehicles now use OBD systems to monitor real-time driving emissions and engine performance using Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) devices.
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Many diesel vehicles use SCR systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
- Improved fuel injection systems: Engines use precise fuel injection for cleaner combustion.
- E20 fuel compatibility: Vehicles are calibrated to operate on petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
How is the RDE Test Conducted?
In the RDE emissions test, a Portable Emission Measurement System is fitted to the vehicle to measure real-time driving emissions during on-road driving.
The test route follows AIS-137 requirements and includes three phases:
- Urban roads (low speed),
- Rural roads (medium speed), and
- Motorways (high speed).
This ensures emissions are monitored across varying driving conditions. The test normally takes 90-120 minutes. During driving, the PEMS records contaminants like NOx and CO₂. The obtained data is then examined to ensure compliance with emission restrictions.
How will RDE Norms Impact You?
With RDE norms in place, you may notice a few changes when buying or owning a vehicle:
- Higher vehicle prices: To meet RDE norms, manufacturers must add systems such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). This increases production costs and may raise car prices.
- Fewer diesel options: Smaller engines using Lean NOx Trap (LNT) may be discontinued.
- Higher maintenance: SCR systems require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (AdBlue), and DPF units need periodic servicing.
- Mileage changes: Extra emission systems may slightly affect fuel efficiency.
How Can RDE Norms Influence Car Insurance?
Real Driving Emission norms can affect your car insurance by changing vehicle costs and technology. To meet RDE emissions rules, manufacturers add new emission control systems and monitoring devices. This increases the car’s price. When your car costs more, the Insured Declared Value (IDV) also increases. As a result, comprehensive car insurance premiums may be higher.
Diesel vehicles may see a greater impact because they require additional systems such as SCR, DPF, and OBD to manage real-world driving emissions. These parts could increase repair costs, which insurers might take into account when calculating the premiums.
Conclusion
With real driving emissions requirements, vehicles are currently being tested under conditions similar to real-world conditions. This means manufacturers must ensure their engines control pollution not just in labs but during everyday driving. As RDE emissions standards evolve, you may also notice changes in vehicle technology and engine options.
When you buy a vehicle with these updates, it is also important to review your car insurance policy for financial protection against accidents, damage, or theft.
FAQs
1. What is the RDE exhaust emissions standard?
It is a regulation that measures real drive emissions, such as NOx and CO₂, while a vehicle is driven on public roads using PEMS equipment.
2. Do older vehicles need to follow RDE norms?
No. These standards apply to all vehicles in the specified categories manufactured on or after April 2023.
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