Government Policies to Flank Automotive Emission Test Equipment Market Growth

As the global community becomes increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of automotive emissions, governments worldwide have implemented various policies to curb pollutants from vehicles. These policies encourage the development and use of cleaner, more energy-efficient vehicles and aim to improve air quality and reduce the harmful effects of greenhouse gases. Also, these policies have significantly impacted the global demand for futuristic emission test equipment. According to Inkwood Research, the global automotive emission test equipment market is expected to surge with a 5.23% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-2032.

Governments worldwide have recognized the need for policies to address automotive emissions. Key areas of focus include:

• Emission Standards: Governments have established stringent emission standards, pushing automakers to develop cleaner technologies and reduce vehicle emissions.
• Incentives for Electric Vehicles (EVs): Many governments are offering financial incentives, such as tax credits and subsidies, to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Infrastructure Development: Governments are investing in infrastructure to support the growth of electric vehicles, such as charging stations and public transportation networks.

Important Government Policies Curbing Pollutants from Automotive Emissions

1. European Union Emission Standards

The European Union (EU) has established a comprehensive set of emission standards for vehicles to ensure the reduction of harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO). These standards, progressively tightened over time, apply to passenger and commercial vehicles. The latest standard, Euro 6, has significantly reduced the permissible emission levels compared to previous iterations.

Key features of the EU Emission Standards:

• This standard applies to new vehicles sold within the EU and European Economic Area (EEA)
• Regular updates to set more stringent emission limits
• Differentiates between diesel and gasoline vehicles for certain pollutants due to their different combustion properties

2. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards in the United States

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) jointly regulate fuel economy standards for new passenger cars and light trucks under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program. This program aims to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The CAFE standards have successfully encouraged the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Key aspects of the CAFE Standards:

• Sets mandatory minimum fuel efficiency targets for vehicle manufacturers
• Gradually increasing fuel economy requirements over time
• Manufacturers receive credits for exceeding standards and can trade or bank them for future use

3. India’s Bharat Stage Emission Standards

India has implemented its emission standards, Bharat Stage (BS), to address the increasing air pollution caused by automotive emissions. Like the EU Emission Standards, the Bharat Stage standards have evolved, with the latest BS-VI norms coming into effect in April 2020. These stringent standards have led to the rapid adoption of cleaner technologies in the automotive sector, significantly reducing the emission of harmful pollutants.

Key highlights of the Bharat Stage Emission Standards:

• This policy applies to new vehicles sold in India, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles
• BS-VI norms are comparable to Euro 6 standards, resulting in a significant reduction of NOx, HC, and PM emissions
• Encourages the adoption of cleaner fuel and advanced emission control technologies

4. China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy

China’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) mandate, introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in 2017, encourages the adoption of NEVs by setting credit targets for manufacturers. Inspired by California’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the policy focused on passenger cars and aimed for a 10% NEV credit target in 2019 and 12% in 2020. Credit allocation is based on factors like electric range, energy efficiency, and fuel cell system power.

Key aspects of China’s NEV Policy:

• China promotes NEV adoption by offering financial incentives, contributing to the country’s position as the largest electric vehicle market globally.
• Automakers in China must produce a specific percentage of NEVs, earning credits based on production and sales. Excess credits can be sold to other manufacturers.
• China is dedicated to increasing the number of public charging stations, enhancing convenience for electric vehicle users.

Impact of Government Policies on the Global Automotive Emission Test Equipment Market

It is evident that as governments continue to introduce and enforce stringent policies, the global automotive emission test equipment market will experience significant growth. To remain competitive and compliant with these evolving regulations, automotive manufacturers and testing equipment providers should continue to invest in research and development, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the automobile industry.

Furthermore, the demand for advanced emission test equipment has surged, driving innovation and growth in the global automotive emission test equipment market. Initiatives such as the Euro 6 and the Bharat Stage Emission Standards have led to the development of cleaner and more efficient engines, directly influencing the emission test equipment industry. Furthermore, incentive programs promoting electric and hybrid vehicles, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) in India, have bolstered the need for specialized testing equipment.

By Sukanya Mukherjee