Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Revised Fuel-Efficiency Norms
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has introduced revisions to the draft fuel-efficiency norms, providing special relief for small cars while offering incentives for flex-fuel and strong hybrid vehicles. These changes follow a significant debate within the automobile industry.
Key Changes in Revised Draft
- Small Cars:
- Separate classification for small cars, defined as weighing up to 909 kg, with an engine capacity of 1,200 cc or less, and a length not exceeding 4,000 mm.
- Small cars can claim an additional 3 gm/km reduction in declared emissions on top of certified technology-based savings.
- CAFE Norms:
- Maruti Suzuki benefits from the revised norms as the largest producer of small cars in India.
- Caps the cumulative reduction benefit for small cars at 9 g/km of CO₂ in any reporting period.
- Volume Derogation Factor:
- Maintained at three for electric vehicles (EVs) and two for strong hybrids, benefiting companies like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota.
- Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF):
- Introduced for vehicles using cleaner fuels or hybrid technology.
- Petrol cars on E20-E30 fuel blends receive an 8% reduction, CNG vehicles a 5% reduction, and flex-fuel ethanol vehicles and strong hybrids a 22.3% discount.
Industry Response and Feedback
- Automobile companies have 21 days to provide feedback on the new draft norms.
- Major carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, and others did not respond to inquiries about the new draft norms.
Implications for Strong Hybrids
- Strong hybrids running on flex fuel can benefit significantly from the CNF, with emissions calculated at lower levels for compliance.
- Currently, models from Toyota and Maruti Suzuki do not qualify for the full CNF discount as they run on regular petrol.
