Even Quadricycles can’t Escape BS6!

The Union Government has notified the BS6 emission norms for Quadricycles in the country. The BS6 emission norms were already implied from April 1st of this year for all other categories of vehicles. But most people do not know what quadricycles are, to begin with. We explain what is a quadricycle and more about them below.

What is one?

A quadricycle is a vehicle that is meant to be a smaller version of cars that we generally see on the road. It is meant to be a different category of a vehicle itself. The dimensions of the product generally come within the size of three-wheelers that we see on the road, but this is indeed a four-wheeler vehicle.

The criteria for a vehicle to come under the quadricycle category is that it should be under 3.0 metres in length, 1.5 metres in width and 2.5 metres in height. The car should also have a maximum speed of 70 km/h or lower. Recently the term Quadricycle has been classified as a non-transport vehicle under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Therefore it can be used as a private and commercial vehicle as well. They come in the L7 category of vehicles.

Also read: Top 5 electric vehicles to launch soon

BS6 Quadricycles

This decision will mean that the Quadricycles can now be continued to manufacture in the plants. Mahindra’s quadricycle called Atom will also be launched in the market later this year. The Atom is expected to get modern features such as 4G connectivity and the Atom will be an electric-only model. So, the BS6 emission regulation will not affect the vehicle. It was earlier showcased in the Auto Expo 2020 as well. But due to the pandemic, the launch of the Atom could be delayed.

For now only the Bajaj Qute is the only quadricycle that is available in showrooms which is available in both petrol and CNG variants as well. Although you have to choose between either of the two variants. It was the Bajaj company that has helped make quadricycles a different category in the market altogether.

Also read: Bajaj Qute Preview

Government’s take

A release by the ministry on BS6 quadricycles read, ” These norms are applicable from the date of notification. This notification completes the process of BS6 for all L, M and N category vehicles in India.

The emission norms are in line with EU with WMTC cycle. The procedure for testing is laid down in AIS (Automotive Industry standards) 137-Part 9.” European Union’s World motorcycle test cycle (WMTC) is used to measure fuel consumption and emissions in motorcycles. Now, finally there is clarity as to the emission norms applicable to this category.