The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) has recently announced the release of India’s first Type Approval Certificate (TAC) relating to Bharat Stage – VI (BS – VI) emission norms for the two-wheeler automotive sector. The Bharat stage norms are a set of regulations that determine acceptable limits for vehicular emissions in India and apply to all categories of vehicles including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and construction equipment. This major development has been necessitated by the dire need to tackle the escalating issue of air pollution caused largely by vehicle emissions.
The Leap from BS – IV to BS – VI
In an unprecedented move, the Government of India has decided to bypass the BS – V norms and directly implement the BS – VI norms from 1st April 2020. From this date, only those vehicles that comply with the new stringent standards will be permitted to be sold and registered in India. The upgraded BS – VI standards are not only stringent but also align with global emission standards, thus marking a major step towards curbing air pollution and creating a cleaner environment.
The Workings of ICAT
ICAT is a premier testing and certification agency authorised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for providing comprehensive testing and certification services to vehicle and component manufacturers in India and abroad. Its state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities for engine development, validation, testing and certification make it an integral part of the Indian automotive industry.
+---------------------+------------------------------------+ | Key Aspects | Description | +---------------------+------------------------------------+ | Emission Norms | Sets vehicular emission standards | | BS – VI | Latest and stringent emission norm | | Implementation Date| 1st April, 2020 | | Vehicle Compliance | Only BS – VI compliant vehicles | | | to be sold & registered after given| | | date | | Role of ICAT | Testing and certification of | | | vehicles and components | +---------------------+------------------------------------+
ICAT’s Modern Infrastructure
ICAT is equipped with the latest equipment, facilities, and capabilities to develop, validate, test, and certify engines and vehicles for the most recent norms in the field of emission. The centre also houses several specialized facilities like a crash lab, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) lab, EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) lab and test tracks to provide a comprehensive range of testing and certification services.
