The Future of Bharat Stage 4 (BS4) Cars in India After 2020

The transition from Bharat Stage 4 (BS4) to Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) vehicles in India has significantly impacted the automotive market, particularly after the implementation of stricter emission norms on April 1, 2020. This article delves into the key aspects of how BS4 cars are faring in the post-2020 era, from regulatory changes to market dynamics.

Regulatory Changes

On the 1st of April, 2020, the Indian government mandated the shift from BS4 to BS6 standards to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. This transition meant that vehicles produced under the BS4 standards became non-compliant with the latest regulations and were no longer eligible for sale or registration after the implementation of BS6 norms.

Sales and Registration

Manufacturers were required to discontinue the production of BS4 vehicles following the implementation of BS6 norms. However, a limited number of BS4 vehicles were permitted to be sold before the deadline. These vehicles could still be registered but faced restrictions in specific cities with stringent emission regulations. This randomness and temporary availability of BS4 vehicles led to a mixed market situation.

Impact on Owners

For owners of BS4 vehicles, the future is less favorable as metropolitan areas adopt stricter pollution control measures. Some cities have proposed or implemented bans on older vehicles, which may include BS4 cars. These bans indicate a move towards cleaner and more modern vehicles, leaving older models like BS4 cars at a disadvantage.

Market Value

The resale value of BS4 cars is expected to decline as buyers increasingly favor newer BS6 models. These newer models offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making them more attractive in the used car market. Additionally, the growing push towards electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in India is likely to further diminish the relevance of BS4 and even BS6 vehicles in the near future.

Government Initiatives

The government's push towards cleaner technologies and sustainable transportation is evident in several initiatives. For instance, BS4 vehicles purchased before March 2020 will remain valid until the end of their registration period. However, broader policy measures such as scrappage incentives for vehicles older than 15 years have been proposed. The vehicle registration fees, which were initially planned for increase, were postponed to June 2020.

In summary, while BS4 vehicles can still be used and registered, their future is limited due to regulatory restrictions, declining market value, and the broader shift towards cleaner technologies. The future of automobiles in India is increasingly eco-friendly, and BS4 cars will inevitably find themselves part of the past.