Centre notifies CAFE-3 norms: Fuel benchmark to drop 16.7% by 2031–32
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Industry, investment & MSMEs· Prelims·
CAFE-3 norms: a GS3 case study on balancing transport decarbonization with industrial growth.
Why in news
The Centre notified the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-3) norms for passenger vehicles, setting a target to reduce fuel consumption benchmarks by 16.7% by 2031–32.
Background
The CAFE-3 norms apply to all new passenger vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in India from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032. The benchmark drops from 3.996 litres per 100 km in 2027–28 to 3.3273 litres by 2031–32, with the reference weight increased to 1,229 kg.
Facts for Prelims
- FactCAFE-3 fuel benchmark reduction target: 16.7% improvement by 2031–32
- FactReference weight increase: From 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg under CAFE-3
- S&TCarbon Neutrality Factor (CNF): Introduced to allow concessions based on eligible technologies
- FactCAFE-3 effective period: April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032
Prelims practice question
What is the reference weight for passenger vehicles under the newly notified CAFE-3 norms?
- (a)950 kg
- (b)2,000 kg
- (c)1,229 kg
- (d)1,500 kg
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1,229 kg — The note specifies that the reference weight is increased to 1,229 kg under the CAFE-3 norms.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the CAFE-3 norms align with India's commitment to decarbonizing the transport sector while balancing industrial growth.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological transition: Balancing rapid adoption of cleaner fuels with existing internal combustion engine infrastructure
- Regulatory incentives: Impact of Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) on accelerating R&D for low-emission vehicle technologies
Keywords: decarbonization · fuel efficiency · regulatory framework · carbon neutrality · industrial policy
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