Nepal is set to have the Euro 6 standard implemented from fiscal year FY 2082/83 to minimize pollution resulting from combustion engine vehicles. The president, Ram Chandra Poudel, in his speech for the plans and policies for FY 2082/83, announced the plan. But there is skepticism around the Euro 6 standard in Nepal as well as support for it, with some fearing that it might increase vehicle emissions. We have more below, so keep reading.
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First, what is the Euro 6 standard?
Euro 6 is an emission standard set on vehicles that seeks to minimize pollution from vehicles. As the name suggests, it’s a standard set in European nations to control pollution from vehicles. Particularly, it aims at minimizing nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), etc., that new vehicles can emit. The government’s decision is a long time in waiting and is consistent with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a greener transport system.
However, it will be a big leap from the current vehicle emission standard. In Nepal, the Euro 3 standard is implemented. The Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standards, 2069, allow import and sales of vehicles that are Euro 3-compliant. The planned Euro 6 criteria are a direct and ambitious jump from Euro 3.
But while vehicles in Nepal are largely Euro 3-compliant, it’s not the case with gasoline. Since 2077 BS, Nepal has been importing Euro 6 standard petrol.
Euro 6 vehicles in Nepal
Many Nepali vehicles are already Euro 6 standard-compliant. Those from India coming with BS6 engines and those from China are equivalent to Euro 6 in their respective countries. So, as Nepal imports most of the vehicles from these two countries, there are already Euro 6 vehicles plying the Nepali streets.
But also, there are many old vehicles and others that are Euro 3 compliant.
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Benefits of the Euro 6 standard for vehicles and the environment
The Euro 6 emission standard implementation will only allow the import of Euro 6-compliant vehicles, which will reduce carbon emissions, meaning less harm to the environment. But it can also be expected that these vehicles also come with other advanced components to complement the technology. This will also raise the prices of tailpipes.
And the fact that Nepal already imports Euro 6 standard petrol (gasoline) means, it will complement the use of Euro 6-compliant vehicles. This will offer better engine performance, mileage, and longevity, and of course, fewer emissions.
Based on the carbon monoxide emitted by vehicles, they are called Euro 1, Euro 2, Euro 3, Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6-compliant vehicles.
Euro 6 in Europe, India, and China
The European Union enforced the Euro 6 standard on vehicles in 2014. They are now even planning on implementing the Euro 7 standard in 2026. As for our neighboring countries, China and India both have this system in their own local linguistic terms. India has designed its Euro 6 model as BS6, and China as China VI.
Nepal has so far only talked about Euro 6 implementation, but that could materialize starting from FY 2082/83.
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New emission standards in Nepal
Nepal could enforce the Euro 4 standard on construction vehicles and Euro 6 on commercial, passenger, motorbikes, and scooters. If you have a BS6 or China VI vehicle, then you are already using a Euro 6 standard-compliant vehicle.
Euro 6 to increase vehicle prices
Experts have claimed that the start of the Euro 6 standard for vehicles sold in Nepal raises their prices. It’s said that while the next emission standard could have less effect on the passenger segment, commercial vehicles may see their price rise between 30% to 50%. We heard and noticed the same with BS6 standard vehicles coming from India. So, that claim has weight.
But still, auto entrepreneurs have been positive about the start of the Euro 6 eco-system. They have only demanded that the government give them information about its implementation 6 months before.