Real-World Emissions of Motorcycles in Delhi-NCR Region, India

This research quantifies the real-world emissions of motorcycles plying in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India covering the urban, rural and highway driving patterns. The emissions estimation by standard driving cycles in the laboratory does not represent the emissions factors estimated in real-world driving conditions experience on road. In the real-world driving conditions, the emissions of motorcycles were influenced by vehicle driving parameters, and traffic conditions. The time-speed data was collected using a BS VI motorcycle in Delhi-NCR during peak and non-peak hours on weekdays and weekends. The emissions factors were estimated by simulating the time-speed data on chassis dynamometer interfaced with 5-gas analyzer, and emissions factors were analyzed for traffic conditions. The average and maximum speed of 29 km/h and 60 km/h in urban, 33 km/h and 72 km/h in rural, and 47 km/h and 79 km/h in highway respectively were observed. The CO and HC emissions were higher during peak hours on weekdays in urban traffic conditions compared to other traffic conditions and trial periods. The CO and HC emissions were higher by 12.0 times and 3.5 times in urban, 5.25 times and 2.6 times in rural, and 4.0 times and 2.0 times in highway during peak work hours on weekdays as compared to non-peak hours. NOx emissions were lower during urban traffic conditions and higher during highway, rural and non-peak hours comparatively. The higher %age of idle in the range of 20 to 24% was observed in urban traffic, whereas in rural and highway traffic the %age idle was observed in the range of 2 to 10%. The higher CO and HC emissions observed in the urban traffic conditions may be due to higher percentage of idle and higher rate of acceleration and deceleration. This study has demonstrated the influence of driving parameters and traffic conditions on vehicular emissions, and will help to legislative bodies and traffic management team to control the vehicular pollution in the country.