Euro 7: New Vehicle Emission Standards Explained
The Euro 7 regulation marks a significant step forward in the European Union’s commitment to clean mobility. This new framework updates the rules for type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions and ensure vehicles remain environmentally friendly throughout their lifespan, while keeping vehicle costs reasonable for both individuals and businesses.
A key aspect of Euro 7 is the updated limits for exhaust emissions. For passenger cars and vans, the negotiators decided to maintain the existing Euro 6 testing conditions and emission limits. However, in response to the European Parliament’s request, the measurement of exhaust particles will be refined to include smaller particles, specifically at the PN10 level instead of PN23. This change ensures a more comprehensive assessment of particle pollution from vehicles.
Buses and trucks face stricter regulations under Euro 7. The agreement introduces tighter limits for exhaust emissions measured both in laboratory settings (e.g., a NOx limit of 200mg/kWh) and under real driving conditions (a NOx limit of 260 mg/kWh). Despite these stricter limits, the current Euro VI testing conditions for these vehicles will be maintained.
Euro 7 also broadens its scope to address emissions beyond exhaust fumes. For the first time, the regulation sets limits for particle emissions from brakes. Cars and vans will be subject to a PM10 limit of 3mg/km for pure electric vehicles. Most internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles will have a limit of 7mg/km, while larger ICE vans will have a limit of 11mg/km. This is a crucial step in tackling a source of air pollution that has previously been unregulated.
Battery durability is another important element of the Euro 7 agreement, particularly for electric and hybrid vehicles. Minimum performance requirements for battery longevity have been established. For cars, batteries must retain 80% of their initial capacity for the first five years or 100,000 km, and 72% for up to eight years or 160,000km. Vans have slightly different requirements, with batteries needing to maintain 75% capacity for the first five years or 100,000 km and 67% for up to eight years or 160,000km. These measures are designed to increase consumer confidence in the long-term viability of electric vehicle batteries.
To enhance transparency and provide consumers with better information, Euro 7 introduces the concept of an Environmental Vehicle Passport. This passport will be available for each vehicle at the time of registration and will detail its environmental performance. Information included will cover pollutant emission limits, CO2 emissions, fuel and electric energy consumption, electric range, and battery durability. Furthermore, vehicle owners will have access to up-to-date data on fuel consumption, battery health, pollutant emissions, and other relevant information generated by onboard vehicle systems. To prevent manipulation of emission control systems, car manufacturers will be required to design vehicles with digitalized monitoring to deter tampering.
According to Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra, this agreement achieves a balance between environmental objectives and the essential interests of vehicle manufacturers. The negotiations aimed to ensure that smaller, affordable cars with internal combustion engines remain accessible to consumers while simultaneously enabling the automotive industry to adapt to the broader transformation of the sector. The European Union is now addressing emissions from sources like brakes and tires and guaranteeing improved battery durability, marking a comprehensive approach to cleaner vehicles.
The Euro 7 regulation still requires formal approval from both the Parliament and the Council before it can be fully implemented. For cars and vans, the regulation will become applicable 30 months after its entry into force. Buses, trucks, and trailers will follow 48 months after. Small volume manufacturers will have slightly extended timelines for compliance.
The European Commission initially proposed these stricter emission standards in November 2022, aiming to tighten air pollutant emissions for all combustion-engine vehicles, regardless of fuel type. Euro 7 builds upon the existing Euro 6 and Euro VI standards and expands its scope to include non-exhaust emissions and battery durability, representing a significant advancement in vehicle environmental regulation.