KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- AdBlue is a non-flammable and colorless solution made up of urea and water.
- It runs out in cars after every 9,000 to 10,000 km.
- Converts Nitrogen oxides into water vapours.
Bharat Stage 6, implemented nationwide in 2020, has turned out to be a nightmare for diesel engines. Their power output has been suppressed, and now the total cost of ownership has boomed. Also, now they can't operate without an exhaust fluid called AdBlue. This solution is a non-flammable and colourless that reduces carbon footprints exerted by a diesel engine. Why it's so important for BS6 diesel cars and how it affects the ownership costs, let's discuss below. Before that, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
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What Is ADBlue?
ADBlue, code name for AUS 32, is a solution made with 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water, and this solution is injected into the exhaust system (SCR) which filters out the harmful chemical Nitrogen oxides (NXo) and releases water vapours. This harmless fluid has become a mandatory and it costs extra to purchase and usually last long around 9000 to 10,000 km. Once it gets over, the cost of owning it around Rs 100 per litre.
The reason why they were introduced in the first place is that diesel engines is a much bigger contributor in the pollution as the fuel doesn't get ignited, rather the pistons burn it with their high temperature. So, this ADBlue is like a massive filter which cuts out the major pollutants to bring down the carbon footprints of a diesel vehicle.
Where does the vehicle store it?
Every current diesel car on sale comes with a separate AdBlue tank, and its position is usually near the fuel tank. Additionally, the lid for filling the AdBlue is located in the same place as the normal fuel tank lid, but it has a sky-blue protector on it. An average vehicle has a capacity of 15 to 20 liters, and it typically lasts for approximately 10,000 km. For example, in the Mahindra XUV700, more than 80% of the AdBlue is consumed by 9,000 km, and the cost to refill it is around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400.
Why it has become important?
The simple answer to this question is to reduce the carbon emissions produced by diesel engines. Additionally, governments are pushing all automakers to phase out the production of diesel engines and gradually switch to electric cars. With each Bharat Stage (BS) update, the emission laws are becoming extremely stringent, which is slowly diminishing the viability of these powertrains. People typically prefer diesel engines because they offer high fuel efficiency and strong mid-range torque, but the BS6 norms have affected their performance levels, and they no longer deliver the same driving experience as before
The MID clearly shows how much AdBlue is left, just like a regular petrol or diesel gauge, and informs the owner of the remaining amount. In some cars, if it runs out during driving, the sensors limit the power delivery electronically, indirectly prompting the driver to refill it before proceeding with other tasks. So, clearly, this fluid has become very important.
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Verdict
AdBlue, used in selective catalytic reduction to convert harmful gases into harmless water vapors, is a great step towards lowering the emissions of diesel engines. However, this adds to the total cost of ownership, as the average cost of AdBlue is around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400 for just 10 liters. Additionally, it varies depending on the size of the car, as larger vehicles require more of it, so it definitely becomes an added cost. This is essentially a signal from the government to encourage people to move away from diesel cars, as in the coming years, they will make diesel engines even more complex and impose higher taxes on them. Moreover, with each new Bharat Stage emission standard, the overall performance of these powertrains has significantly reduced. So, it's important to think carefully before buying cars that rely on this fuel.
