The ICE Landscape

The ICE is cleaner and more efficient than in the past. Ashish Bhatia looks at the evolving landscape and the drivers of change.

- Ashish Bhatia

At the Bharat Stage VI (BSVI), it is safe to presume that the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is cleaner, greener and more efficient than in the past. Despite the emobility aspirations, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) continue to refine the ICE to offer their best version yet. These are designed and deemed fit for the vast universe of duty cycles across segments. In effect, it means that the automotive fraternity continues to make a case for its existence. To be fair, the industry must realise the returns on investment made on the transition from BSIV to BSVI. It is also a tried and tested technology with scope for further evolution.

To encourage indigenisation of the ICE like electric drivetrains, the industry will be incentivised. Arun Goel, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industries, Government of India, speaking on the much sought-after the approval of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, emphasised on the outlay being aimed at just that. The Rs.25,938 crores for the auto and auto components sector is said to have been finalised in line with the extent of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) in the country. At three per cent, AAT in India is at the lower end of the spectrum when compared to 18 per cent globally. He added that AAT, case in point ICE, is a subset of the universe. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), petrol, diesel and ethanol engine manufacturers, notably, are all eligible for incentives under the scheme, fixed at 18 per cent of the sales.

ICE components