Volume 14, Issue 03 (March 2025)

Shaping the Future of Automotive Emissions: A Comprehensive Study of Euro 7, BS-7 and CAFE 3 Norms

DOI : 10.17577/IJERTV14IS030086

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Vishal K Walhekar, Dinesh Kumar Pushparaj, 2025, Shaping the Future of Automotive Emissions: A Comprehensive Study of Euro 7, BS-7 and CAFE 3 Norms, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY (IJERT) Volume 14, Issue 03 (March 2025),

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Shaping the Future of Automotive Emissions: A Comprehensive Study of Euro 7, BS-7 and CAFE 3 Norms

Vishal K Walhekar, Team Lead – Power System Engineering Tata Technologies Limited.

Dinesh Kumar Pushparaj, Design Engineer Power System Engineering Tata Technologies Limited

Abstract- This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming Euro 7, BS-7, and CAFE3 norms, their impact on the automotive industry, and the technological innovations required for compliance. It explores the synergies between these standards, offers a comparative analysis, and examines policy implications and industry responses. Through case studies and future outlooks, the paper highlights the importance of integrated regulatory strategies in promoting environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

  1. INTRODUCTION

    The automotive industry is at a pivotal point where regulatory frameworks are becoming increasingly stringent to mitigate environmental impacts. The Euro 7 and BS-7 emission standards aim to significantly reduce vehicle emissions, while the CAFE3 norms target enhanced fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. This paper examines these standards in detail, discusses their interconnections, and explores their collective impact on the industry.

  2. EURO 7 EMISSION STANDARDS

    Detailed analysis of Euro 7 requirements and Technological implications and impact on the European automotive industries.

    1. Historical Development

      • The European emission standards (Table 1) have evolved progressively, tightening limits on pollutants like NOx, CO, HC, and PM in (figure 1)

      • Euro 7 represents the latest and most stringent iteration, built upon the successes and lessons of Euro 6.

        Standard

        Year Introduced

        Major Changes

        Euro 1

        1992

        Introduction of catalytic

        converters

        Euro 2

        1996

        Tightened CO limits

        Euro 3

        2000

        First NOx limits

        Euro 4

        2005

        Stricter NOx, PM added

        Euro 5

        2009

        PM filters for diesel

        Euro 6

        2014

        Real-world testing begins

        Euro 7

        2025 (Planned)

        RDE fully implemented,

        extended durability

        Table 1 Evolution of European Emission Standards

    2. Key Features of Euro 7

      • Introduction of real-driving emissions (RDE) testing to ensure compliance under real-world conditions.

      • Stricter limits on NOx, particulate matter, ammonia, and methane emissions.

      • Enhanced durability requirements for emission control systems.

        Figure. 1

    3. Technological Implications

      • Adoption of advanced combustion techniques, turbocharging, and exhaust after-treatment systems like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

      • Increased electrification, with a shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles.

      • Development of low-sulfur fuels and alternative fuel technologies.

    4. Impact on the European Automotive Industry

      • Significant investments in R&D and technological innovations.

      • Potential challenges in balancing cost, performance, and compliance.

      • Positive environmental outcomes with reduced urban air pollution.

        • Recalibration of Cost Structures: Higher upfront costs offset by fuel efficiency improvements and lower lifetime emissions.

        • Opportunities for Suppliers in Clean-Tech Components: Growth in demand for catalytic converters, filters, and alternative fuels.

  3. BS-7 AND BEYOND

          1. Historical Development

      • The Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards (Table 2) are based on European regulations (Euro norms) but adapted for Indian conditions.

        Standards

        Year Introduced

        Major Changes

        India 2000

        2000

        Basic emission limits

        BS-I

        2000

        Nationwide implementation

        BS-II

        2005

        Stricter emission limits

        BS-III

        2010

        Catalytic converter added

        BS-IV

        2017-2018

        OBD, PM reduction

        BS-V

        Skipped

        Direct BS-VI jump

        BS-VI

        2020

        DPF, SCR, RDE

        BS-VII

        ~2027 (proposed)

        Real-world emissions

      • These standards limit air pollutants like CO (Carbon Monoxide), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), HC (Hydrocarbons), and PM (Particulate Matter) from internal combustion engine vehicles

        Table 2 Evolution of Bharat Stage Standards

          1. Overview of BS-7 Standards

            • Bharat Stage 7 (BS-7) mirrors the objectives of Euro 7, tailored to India's environmental and industrial context.

              Figure. 2

              • Focus on reducing NOx, PM, CO, and HC emissions to improve air quality in India.

              • Stricter Compliance in High-Altitude and Extreme Weather Conditions: Ensuring real-world effectiveness of emission control technologies.

          2. Comparison with Euro 7

            • While similar in intent, BS-7 may have region- specific requirements and implementation timelines.

            • Unique challenges such as India's diverse climate, fuel quality, and vehicular usage patterns

          3. Technological and Industrial Challenges

            • Adapting European technologies to Indian conditions.

            • Ensuring cost-effectiveness for consumers in a price- sensitive market.

            • Localization of Exhaust After-Treatment Technologies: Customizing SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filters) for Indian fuels.

            • Developing infrastructure for alternative fuels and electric vehicles.

          4. Future Developments Beyond BS-7

            • Potential for even stricter standards in response to growing environmental concerns.

            • Innovations in hydrogen fuel cells, advanced biofuels, and other sustainable technologies.

          5. Infrastructure and Implementation Challenges

            • Upgrading refueling and charging infrastructure to support electric and hydrogen vehices.

            • Ensuring the availability of high-quality, low-sulfur fuels across the country.

            • Training and upskilling the workforce to handle new technologies and maintenance requirements.

          6. Consumer Awareness and Acceptance

            • Educating consumers about the benefits and necessity of BS-7 standards.

            • Addressing concerns related to vehicle costs, maintenance, and performance under new standards.

            • Promoting the adoption of cleaner vehicles through incentives and awareness campaigns.

          7. Economic Impacts

            • Assessing the economic impact on vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers.

            • Balancing regulatory compliance costs with long- term economic and environmental benefits.

            • Opportunities for growth in the green technology and clean energy sectors.

          8. Environmental and Health Benefits

            • Projected improvements in air quality and reductions in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

            • Contribution to India's national and international climate commitments.

            • Enhanced public health outcomes and quality of life in urban and rural areas.

          9. Case Studies of Successful Implementations

            • Examination of regions or cities that have successfully implemented similar standards.

            • Lessons learned from these case studies in terms of policy design, public engagement, and enforcement.

            • Best practices that can be adapted for the Indian context.

          10. Role of Government and Policy Frameworks

            • Importance of strong government leadership and clear policy frameworks.

            • Coordination between central and state governments for effective implementation.

            • Role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and infrastructure development.

          11. Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

            • Development of robust monitoring systems to ensure compliance with BS-7 standards.

            • Use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing and telematics for real-time emissions monitoring.

            • Enforcement strategies, including penalties and incentives, to ensure adherence to regulations.

          12. Research and Development Initiatives

    • Importance of continued R&D to develop cost- effective and efficient technologies.

    • Collaboration between industry, academia, and government research institutions.

    • Investment in pilot projects and demonstration programs to test and refine new technologies.

    1. Here's a comparison between BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) and the anticipated BS7 (Bharat

    Stage 7) emission norms:

    1. Emission Limits

      • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx):

      • BS6: Petrol engines: 60 mg/km; Diesel engines: 80 mg/km.

      • BS7: Expected to have significantly lower NOx limits for both petrol and diesel engines.

        • Particulate Matter (PM):

          • BS6: Diesel engines: 4.5 mg/km.

          • BS7: Anticipated to have stricter PM limits, necessitating advanced particulate filters for both diesel and petrol engines.

        • Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons (HC):

    • BS6: Petrol engines: CO – 1.0 g/km, HC – 100 mg/km; Diesel engines: CO – 500 mg/km, HC – 100 mg/km.

    • BS7: Expected to have tighter CO and HC limits.

      Table 3 Anticipated Comparison between BS6 and BS7 Norms

      Parameter

      BS6 Standard

      BS7 Anticipated Change

      NOx (Petrol)

      60 mg/km

      <40 mg/km

      NOx (Diesel)

      80 mg/km

      <60 mg/km

      PM (Diesel)

      4.5 mg/km

      <2.5 mg/km

      CO (Petrol)

      1.0 g/km

      0.7 g/km

      HC (Petrol)

      100 mg/km

      75 mg/km

  4. CAFE 3 NORMS

    1. Overview and Evolution

      • CAFE norms aim to improve the average fuel economy of a manufacturer's fleet, reducing overall fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

      • CAFE3 represents the latest phase with more ambitious targets.

      • Tighter Emission Benchmarks for Larger Vehicles: Stringent targets for SUVs and light commercial vehicles to offset their higher fuel consumption.

      • Incentivization of Advanced Fuel-Saving Technologies: Encouragement of CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Atkinson-cycle engines, and start-stop systems.

    2. Key Features and Targets

      • Stricter fuel economy targets and penalties for non- compliance.

      • Incentives for the production and adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

    3. Strategies for Compliance

      • Implementation of fuel-saving technologies such as engine downsizing, lightweight materials, and improved aerodynamics.

      • Increased focus on hybrid and electric powertrains.

    4. Impact on Vehicle Design and Manufacturing

    • Shift towards more energy-efficient vehicles with lower operational costs.

    • Need for continuous innovation to balance performance, safety, and compliance.

    • Light weighting Strategies: Adoption of carbon fiber, aluminium alloys, and high-strength steel to reduce vehicle weight.

    • AI-Driven Aerodynamic Enhancements: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based improvements for reducing drag coefficients.

  5. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL

    EMISSION STANDARDS

    1. Global Standards Overview

      • Comparison with standards like US EPA Tier 3, China 6, and Japans emission norms.

      • Each region's unique approach to balancing environmental goals with economic and industrial realities as shown in below figure 3.

        Figure 3

    2. Harmonization Challenges and Opportunities

    • Differences in regulatory frameworks, testing procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.

    • Opportunities for global collaboration and harmonization to streamline compliance for multinational manufacturers.

    • *Based on the latest annual figure from 2022.Sourced via Global Carbon Project

  6. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND

    INDUSTRY IMPACT

    • Development of advanced internal combustion engines, electrification, and hybrid sstems.

    • Innovations in exhaust after-treatment and onboard diagnostic systems.

      1. POLICY IMPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRY

        RESPONSES

        1. Government Policies and Incentives

    • Role of subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks in supporting compliance.

    • Strategies for promoting R&D investments and industry collaboration.

      1. Industry Strategies

    • Increased focus on R&D and technological innovation.

    • Partnerships with technology providers and cross- industry collaborations.

      1. Outlook

    • Potential developments in emission and fuel economy standards.

    • Predictions for the future of automotive regulations and their impact on the industry.

      1. Economic Implications

    • Assessment of the cost implications for manufacturers and consumers.

    • Long-term economic benefits of adopting cleaner and more efficient technologies.

      1. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS

        1. Impact on Air Quality

    • Expected reductions in urban air pollution and associated health benefits.

    • Contributions to national and global climate goals.

    • Higher Reduction in Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Lower respiratory health risks in high-density urban centers.

    • Mitigation of Acid Rain Contributors: Reduction of sulfur-based pollutants in vehicular emissions.

  7. CASE STUDIES

  • Examples of manufacturers successfully adapting to new standards, such as Volkswagens emissions technologies, Toyotas hybrid systems, and Fords light weighting strategies.

  • Lessons learned from these case studies on overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities.

    A. Role of Digitalization and Smart Manufacturing

  • Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance manufacturing processes and compliance.

  • Use of big data, IoT, and AI to optimize vehicle design, production, and performance monitoring.

    *Year-wise Emission Reduction Milestones for Net Zero B.Sustainable Mobility

    • Role of these regulations in promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

    • Integration with broader environmental policies and urban planning initiatives.

  1. CONCLUSION

This paper underscores the interconnected nature of Euro 7, BS-7, and CAFÉ 3 norms in driving the automotive industry towards a more sustainable future. By integrating emission standards and fuel economy regulations, the industry can achieve significant environmental benefits while fostering innovation. Policymakers and industry stakeholders must continue to collaborate and innovate to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively.

REFERENCES

  1. European Commission, Euro 7 emission standards: A new step towards cleaner and healthier air, European Union, 2023. [Online]. Available:

  2. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), BS-VI and Beyond: Roadmap for Indian Emission Regulations, SIAM White Paper, 2023.

  3. International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), A Comparative Analysis of Euro 7 and BS-VI Stage 2 Emission Norms, ICCT Research Report, 2024.

  4. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, Notification on BS-VII emission norms and implementation timeline, Official Gazette, 2024.

  5. European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), New challenges for Euro 7 compliance in the automotive sector, ACEA Technical Report, 2023.

  6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for Model Years 20242028, Federal Register, 2023.

  7. Toyota Motor Corporation, Advancements in Hybrid Powertrains to Meet Global Emission Norms, Technical Report, 2024.

  8. J. Smith et al., The Role of Electrified Powertrains in Meeting Stringent Emission Standards, in Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Automot. Technol., 2024, pp. 2532.

  9. International Energy Agency (IEA), Trends in Vehicle Electrification and Alternative Fuels, Global EV Outlook, 2024.