{"id":3891,"date":"2026-04-13T16:35:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/?p=3891"},"modified":"2026-04-13T16:35:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:05:09","slug":"draft-cafe-3-norms-explained-small-cars-get-relief-suvs-face-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carbikebhp.com\/blogs\/draft-cafe-3-norms-explained-small-cars-get-relief-suvs-face-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Draft CAFE 3 Norms Explained: Small Cars Get Relief, SUVs Face Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Draft CAFE 3 Norms<\/strong> propose a more balanced fuel efficiency target for carmakers in India, giving relief to small cars while tightening expectations for larger vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)<\/strong><\/a> rules are expected to come into effect around 2027 and will define how efficiently automakers must manage their entire fleet. Unlike earlier norms, the draft framework considers real-world constraints and aims to avoid penalising entry-level hatchbacks too heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For buyers, this could directly influence car prices, engine choices, and even the availability of affordable petrol models in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Draft CAFE 3 Norms and What\u2019s Changing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Draft CAFE 3 Norms<\/strong> shift the way fuel efficiency targets are calculated for automakers. Instead of pushing aggressive, uniform targets across all vehicle types, the new proposal introduces a more flexible structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under earlier CAFE rules (CAFE 1 and CAFE 2), manufacturers had to meet strict average CO\u2082 emission limits across their lineup. This often forced brands to either limit larger vehicles or offset them with small, fuel-efficient cars or EVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, the draft norms are expected to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n