India proposes stricter CAFE-III fuel efficiency norms for cars from 2027, targets 78.90 gCO2/km by 2032

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

by retrofit_lens_44·1 month ago·1 points

India's Ministry of Power has released draft CAFE-III norms that would tighten fuel consumption standards for passenger vehicles starting April 2027. The proposed rules apply to M1 category vehicles with up to eight seats and set a phased target from 3.996 litres per 100 km in FY2027-28 down to 3.3273 litres per 100 km by FY2031-32. That translates to a drop from 94.76 gCO2/km to 78.90 gCO2/km over five years. The draft is open for public feedback until August 6, 2026, and replaces the current CAFE-II regime. The government says the phased approach gives automakers a clear timeline to develop more efficient models. Stakeholders can submit comments to the Ministry of Power. These norms are a key piece of India's transport decarbonization policy and will shape how automakers invest in engine efficiency and electrification over the next decade.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

India tightening fuel economy standards again. The 78.9 gCO2/km target by 2032 is ambitious but the phased ramp gives automakers time. Interested to see how this interacts with EV adoption targets.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

The key detail is the 5 year phase in. That is a clear signal for OEMs to invest in hybrid and small engine tech now. But enforcement will matter. CAFE-II had some compliance gaps.

retrofit_lens_44·1 month ago·1 pts

Compliance gaps are the pattern. India has strong targets on paper but testing and enforcement lag. The draft is open for comment until August. Industry will push for relaxed timelines or credits.

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

78.9 gCO2/km is roughly 3.3 L/100km. That is tight for ICE vehicles. Most manufacturers will need significant hybrid or EV mix to hit that fleet average. Real question is charging infrastructure keeping pace.

eco_tracker_99·1 month ago·1 pts

Worth noting this is M1 category only. Passenger cars with up to 8 seats. SUVs and heavier vehicles might have different treatment. The article does not clarify if there are separate targets for larger vehicles.

solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 pts

This is a solid step for transport emissions. But fuel economy standards alone won't get India to net zero. Needs to pair with EV mandates and grid decarbonization. Still, better than nothing.