Study links higher emissions in two-wheelers to mileage, recommends scrappage policy overhaul, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• A study found that vehicle mileage, along with age, significantly impacts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions in two-wheelers.
• The study analyzed exhaust data from 575 BS III and BS IV-compliant two-wheelers in Delhi.
• The research suggests that 84.6% of the change in CO levels is linked to the age of the vehicle.
• Researchers recommend overhauling India's scrappage policy to include mileage as a key factor.

Detailed Insights:

• The study highlights that as vehicles age, the ignition system becomes less efficient, leading to increased CO emissions due to incomplete combustion.
• The research indicates that age is responsible for 81.5% of the change in HC levels, emphasizing the need to consider age-related degradation in emission control systems.
• Current emission recertification in India focuses only on idling CO and HC measurements, failing to account for high-idling conditions and real-world loaded operation.
• An effective scrappage policy considering both age and mileage can help reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colorless, odorless, and toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels.
• Hydrocarbons (HC): Organic compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon, released from unburnt fuel in vehicle exhaust.
• Scrappage Policy: A government policy incentivizing the retirement of old and polluting vehicles to reduce emissions.