The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is going to set fuel efficiency standards for car models. At a time when fuel prices are burning a hole in the common man’s pocket, preliminary estimates have found that in India, only 9% to 16% car models are energy efficient.
The BEE now aims to introduce medium and long term fuel consumption standards for new cars which would provide a regulatory signal to manufacturers to continuously reduce the average fuel consumption of cars
Preliminary estimates made in the paper state that of the total 330 car models in India, 32 fell within 5-star category-assumed as the most fuel efficient while 52 fell in 4-star category, comparatively less fuel efficient. As per the BEE’s assumption, cars in 5-star category are those which roughly consume up to 7 litres of fuel for 100 km.
Those consuming between 7 and 9 litres fall in 4-star category whereas those between 9 and 11 litres per 100 km belong to the 3-star category. Cars consuming 12 litres of fuel for 100 km and beyond are in the 1-star category.
Primary findings suggest that 105 car models fall in the 3-star category while 69 models belong to the 2-star category.
In the 1-star category, there are 72 models. Thus, there are more number of less fuel efficient cars than efficient ones.
Considering the market of car models (falling in different star categories as per BEE’s preliminary assumption) in thousands, the sale of 1-star and 5-star models assumes the lowest between 62 and 72 vehicles per 1,000 vehicles. The sale of four-star car models is the highest at 625 in 1,000 vehicles. However, the 2- and 3-star categories are selling at 535 to 585 cars among 1,000 vehicles each, making it difficult for the country to meet the fuel efficiency target.
Source: ET