Why is the International Road Federation (IRF) concerned about 'super credits' in India?

The IRF president has expressed surprise and concern that automakers are lobbying to increase the 'super credit' value for EVs, arguing that this artificially lowers a carmaker's average emissions and allows them to sell more high-polluting vehicles.

How does the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) view India's 'super credit' system?

The ICCT has recommended that India's regulator should start phasing out 'super credits' for hybrid vehicles and reducing them for EVs, as the current system "significantly reduces compliance burden for automakers, making it easier to sell high-emitting ICE vehicles".

Home / Environment / Auto Lobby Pushes for Stronger 'Super Credit' Incentives, Defying Global Emissions Norms

Auto Lobby Pushes for Stronger 'Super Credit' Incentives, Defying Global Emissions Norms

Q: What are 'super credits' in India's auto industry?

'Super credits' allow automakers to count one electric vehicle (EV) as multiple vehicles when calculating their corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE-III) emissions, in order to incentivize the adoption of cleaner vehicles.

18 Nov

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Summary

Auto industry lobby urges India to increase 'super credit' value for EVs
Global bodies warn 'super credits' weaken India's emissions framework
Concerns raised that 'super credits' allow selling more high-emitting vehicles

Auto Lobby Pushes for Stronger 'Super Credit' Incentives, Defying Global Emissions Norms

In November 2025, India's auto industry lobby is engaged in a tussle with global clean-transport bodies over the use of 'super credits' in the country's emissions regulations. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), which represents all major carmakers, has urged the government to increase the 'super credit' value for electric vehicles from three to four.

'Super credits' allow automakers to count one EV as multiple vehicles when calculating their corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE-III) emissions. This is intended to incentivize the gradual adoption of cleaner vehicles. However, the Geneva-based International Road Federation (IRF) and the US-based International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) have warned that these generous credits are actually weakening India's overall emissions framework.