Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has formally requested the Indian government to delay the rollout of a more accurate emissions testing standard for vehicles, currently set to begin in April 2027.
Understanding the New Emissions Standard
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed new draft norms on April 28, introducing the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). This new testing method is part of the upcoming Bharat Stage (BS) VI Phase 3 standards.
The WLTP, already adopted by the European Union since 2018, aims to provide more realistic measurements of vehicle emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. It seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory test results and actual on-road emissions.
Mahindra’s Call for Deferment
In a letter dated May 26, Mahindra & Mahindra urged MoRTH to avoid a “standalone migration to WLTP.” The company suggested that the government should wait until the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase 3 norms, which are still being discussed, are clearly defined, as they also involve a potential shift to WLTP.
Currently, both CAFE norms (focused on fuel efficiency and CO2) and BS VI rules (covering a broader range of pollutants) use the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) for testing. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has proposed moving CAFE 3 to WLTP by March 31, 2027.
Why the Delay Request?
Mahindra’s argument centers on the existing Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test, which became part of BS VI Phase 2 rules in April 2023. The RDE test already measures on-road emissions, and Mahindra believes this sufficiently captures real-world conditions.
“Migrating to WLTP brings the emission and CO2 measurement closer to real world driving conditions. However, the emission worthiness of vehicles in Real Driving conditions have already been captured through Implementation of RDE (Real Driving Emissions) boundary conditions and its limits as part of Bharat Stage 6.2,” Mahindra stated in its letter.
Industry experts suggest that Mahindra’s significant reliance on diesel engines, which make up over 70 percent of its SUV sales, could be a key factor behind this request. Stricter WLTP norms might necessitate costly after-treatment technologies to reduce pollutants, potentially increasing the compliance burden for the company.
Expert Views and Future Outlook
While Mahindra argues that RDE already addresses real-world emissions, experts point out that the current BS VI Phase 2 RDE has a more relaxed conformity factor (1.43). The planned Phase 3 norms, however, target a much stricter conformity factor of 1, meaning lab and on-road results must align more closely.
Many manufacturers have been preparing for the stricter CAFE and BS VI Phase 3 norms, knowing they were slated for 2027. The government is currently reviewing Mahindra’s claims, with no official comment from either the Ministry or Mahindra & Mahindra so far.
- Mahindra & Mahindra has requested a delay in implementing the new WLTP emissions standard, set for April 2027.
- The company argues that existing Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests already capture real-world performance.
- Experts believe Mahindra’s high diesel vehicle sales could be a factor, as stricter norms may increase compliance costs.
- The government is currently reviewing the automaker’s request.
This discussion highlights the ongoing challenges and adjustments within the automotive industry as it moves towards more stringent environmental standards.
