Proposed Euro 7 emissions standard unveiled for cars, vans and trucks

The European Commission have published its proposal for the new Euro 7 emissions standard, which will apply to all vehicle types and powertrains. The proposal replaces and simplifies previously separate emission rules for cars and vans (Euro 6) and lorries and buses (Euro VI). The Euro 7 standard brings emission limits for all motor vehicles under a single set of rules. The new rules are fuel- and technology-neutral, placing the same limits regardless of whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electric drive-trains or alternative fuels. The new rules will help transport operators become greener and more resilient. Nitrous-oxide (NOx) emissions for petrol engines will remain the same, diesel engines will also be restricted and tightened for lorries and buses. Compliance for cars and vans will be checked until these vehicles reach 125,000 miles and 10 years of age. The new rules will regulate the durability of batteries installed in electrified cars and vans in order to increase confidence in electric vehicles. This will also reduce the need for replacing batteries early in the life of a vehicle. The proposed rules also set limits for particulate emissions from brakes and tyres that will also apply to electric vehicles.

By 2035, Euro 7 is expected to have lowered total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI from buses and lorries. At the same time, particles from the tailpipe will be 13% lower from cars and vans, and 39% from buses and lorries, while particles from the brakes of a car will be down 27%.

The rules on pollutant emissions are complementary to the rules on CO2 emissions. The target for 100% CO2 reduction by 2035 for cars and vans has been accounted in the proposal. Carmakers have previously lobbied hard against the new Euro 7 rules, arguing it faces significant costs that could hamper investment in the development of electric vehicles.