The Indian Government has recently encouraged the domestic automobile manufacturers to initiate the production of Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) and Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFV-SHEV), adhering to the BS-6 norms, within a fixed timeline. This move is aimed at significantly contributing to the green model of development.
Understanding Flex Fuel Vehicles and Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Flex Fuel Vehicles, also known as FFV, are designed to operate on a combination of gasoline and ethanol, with the potential to run on 100% ethanol. When combined with robust hybrid electric technology, these vehicles are referred to as Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles or FFV-SHEV. A full hybrid vehicle has the ability to run independently on either gasoline or electric modes, unlike mild hybrids, which need both modes for operation. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to speed up the introduction of FFVs by including automobile and auto components related to flex fuel engines.
The Significance of the Government’s Decision
This new policy could help lessen the demand for petroleum products, thereby reducing pressure on India’s import bill. India currently relies on imports for over 80% of its petroleum needs, which results in substantial capital outflows. By promoting the use of ethanol or methanol as a fuel, this initiative can offer an additional revenue source for farmers, directly benefiting them and aiding in doubling their income. Furthermore, the move aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and the government’s policy to promote ethanol as a transport fuel.
In terms of environmental impact, this transition towards FFVs and FFV-SHEVs may significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, helping India reach its commitment made at COP26 to lower the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.
Government Initiatives in Line with This Move
There are several governmental initiatives that align with this new direction such as the National Policy on Biofuels–2018, E100 Project, Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, 2019, GOBAR (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN Scheme, 2018, and the movement to Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO).
Understanding BS-VI Fuel Norms
The Bharat Stage norms, also known as BS norms, are emission standards set by the Indian Government to control air pollutants from motor vehicles. Recently, the country moved directly from BS-IV to BS-VI norms.
BS-VI fuel envisages a decrease in the volume of PM 2.5 from 120 micrograms per cubic metre in BS-IV fuel to 20-40 micrograms per cubic metre. Furthermore, it also aims to reduce sulphur content by five times from current BS-IV levels, decreasing from 50 ppm to 10 ppm. Sulphur in fuel contributes to fine particulate matter emissions and can cause corrosion and wear of the vehicle’s engine. With the implementation of BS-VI fuel, the emission of particulate matter will reduce by 80% and nitrogen oxide by nearly 70% per kilometer run by a car. Additionally, the new norm also seeks to manage the level of certain harmful hydrocarbons in emissions produced due to incomplete combustion of fuel.