Technology to Reduce Emissions
1. Catalytic Converters
Function: Convert harmful gases (CO, HC, NOx) into less harmful substances (CO₂,
H₂O, N₂).
Impact: Significant reduction in tailpipe emissions.
2. Transition from Carburetors to Fuel Injection Systems
Carburetors: Mix air and fuel for internal combustion engines.
Drawbacks: Less precise fuel control, leading to higher emissions and lower fuel
efficiency.
Fuel Injection Systems: Precisely control the amount of fuel injected into the
engine.
Benefits: Improved fuel efficiency, better engine performance, and reduced
emissions.
3. Hybrid and Electric Two-Wheelers
Hybrid Vehicles: Combine internal combustion engines with electric motors.
Impact: Lower emissions compared to conventional engines.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Powered entirely by electricity.
Impact: Zero tailpipe emissions, reduced overall pollution.
4. Advanced Engine Technologies
Variable Valve Timing (VVT): Adjusts the timing of valve operation.
Impact: Optimizes engine performance and reduces emissions.
Turbocharging: Increases engine efficiency and power output.
Impact: Allows for smaller, more efficient engines with lower emissions.
5. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Function: Captures CO₂ emissions from exhaust gases and stores them underground.
Impact: Reduces the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere.
6. Digital Technologies
Smart Sensors and IoT: Monitor and optimize engine performance in real-time.
Impact: Enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
AI and Machine Learning: Predictive maintenance and optimization of driving
patterns.
Impact: Further reduction in emissions through efficient vehicle operation.
7. Emission Standards in India
Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards:
BS IV: Implemented in 2017.
BS VI: Implemented in 2020, with stricter limits on pollutants.
Impact: Significant reduction in permissible emission levels for two-wheelers.
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Emissions from two-wheelers in India present several challenges and issues:
High Contribution to Air Pollution: Two-wheelers account for a significant portion
of urban air pollution in India. They emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and particulate matter (PM), which contribute to respiratory problems and other
health issues1.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Two-wheelers, predominantly powered by internal
combustion engines (ICE), are responsible for a substantial amount of CO2
emissions. In 2020, the segment emitted nearly 38 megatonnes of CO21.
Fuel Consumption: Two-wheelers consume a large amount of petrol, accounting for 60%
of India’s petrol consumption1. This high fuel consumption leads to increased
emissions and higher fuel costs for consumers.
Regulatory Challenges: While there are efforts to implement stricter emission
norms, such as the BS6 Phase II regulations, the transition to cleaner technologies
is slow. The majority of two-wheelers sold are still ICE vehicles2.
Technological Barriers: The adoption of electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) is hindered by
issues such as the lack of charging infrastructure, high initial costs, and limited
consumer awareness3.
Economic Factors: The cost of transitioning to cleaner technologies can be high for
manufacturers and consumers. This includes the cost of developing and adopting new
technologies, as well as the potential economic impact on industries reliant on
traditional two-wheeler manufacturing4.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter
regulations, incentives for electric vehicle adoption, and increased investment in
infrastructure and technol
