Analysis of the Proposed CAFE – 3 and CAFE – 4 Norms
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is working to enhance fuel efficiency standards for vehicles in India. The proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms will establish minimum fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles. These standards are designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles, and improve air quality. This initiative is an important move towards promoting sustainable transportation and a more environmentally friendly future. Our Power Sector Advisory Team has prepared a detailed advisory that outlines the applicability, impact, and adaptation of these new standards.
Comments on the Proposed Norms
- Stringency and Achievability
- Proposed Norms
o CAFE-III: 91.7 gCO2/km (2027-2032)
o CAFE-IV: 70 gCO2/km (2032-2037)
- Current Norms: CAFE-II (113 gCO2/km)
- Global Comparison:
o US (2024-2026): 40 miles per gallon (approximately 58 gCO2/km) (Center for Automotive Research).
o EU (2021): 95 gCO2/km with further reductions planned (Wikipedia).
- Feasibility in India: Achieving these targets will be challenging due to the current technological and infrastructural limitations in India. While the targets align well with global efforts to reduce emissions, the pace of technological adoption and infrastructure development in India may not be sufficient to meet these stringent norms within the proposed timeline.
- Infrastructure Development
- Current State: India’s EV infrastructure, including charging stations and service facilities, is underdeveloped compared to countries like the US and EU. Rapid and extensive investment is needed to support the widespread adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles required to meet the CAFE-III and CAFE-IV norms.
- • Global Standards: Countries like Norway, which leads in EV adoption, have robust infrastructure and incentives for electric vehicles. The EU and the US are also significantly investing in EV infrastructure to support their stringent emission norms (Center for Automotive Research).
- Recommendation: To make the proposed norms achievable, India must prioritize the development of EV infrastructure, including expanding the network of charging stations and enhancing testing facilities