Fuel consumption from light commercial vehicles in India, fiscal year 2018–19

Mini trucks and pickup trucks are classified as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in India, where they are used as “last-mile” connectivity to move goods to their final destination. While India’s passenger cars are subject to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission standards, and such standards have proven effective in driving down test-cycle emission levels of new vehicles, no CO₂ standards have yet been applied to LCVs. To help regulators develop an effective CO₂ standard, this paper establishes a baseline of fuel consumption for new LCVs sold in India in FY 2018–19.

Results show that the fleet average CO₂ emissions level for LCVs in India was 143.1 grams (g) per kilometer (km) in FY 2018–19. If India’s existing passenger car fuel efficiency standards were adapted for LCVs, the fleet average CO₂ target for FY 2018–19 would be 141.6 g/km, or about 1% less. Additionally, while the fleet average CO₂ emissions of India’s LCVs is 9.4% lower than the European Union’s LCV fleet, India’s fleet is lighter and thus has to meet a stricter CO₂ target. Based on fleet average weight, Indian LCVs would have to further improve by 12% to meet the EU targets for 2019. Mandatory CO₂ emission standards, if implemented, would stimulate the inclusion of additional fuel efficiency technologies such as idle start-stop, low-resistance tires, and low viscosity engine oils.

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