The European Union has completed the adoption process for the Euro 7 regulation, marking a significant milestone in efforts to reduce air pollution from road vehicles. The regulation encompasses cars, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles, introducing stricter emission limits and enhanced rules on battery durability.
KEY PROVISIONS OF THE EURO 7 REGULATION
The Euro 7 regulation sets stringent rules for exhaust emissions, including limits for pollutants such as nitrous oxide (N2O), tyre abrasion, and brake particle emissions. Notably, it introduces requirements for battery durability, aiming to promote cleaner and more sustainable vehicles. Highlights of the regulation include:
- Retaining existing Euro 6 exhaust emission limits for cars and vans while imposing stricter requirements for solid particles.
- Imposing more stringent limits for various pollutants in heavy-duty buses and lorries, including previously unregulated emissions such as N2O.
- Introducing stricter limits for particle emissions from braking, with specific provisions for electric vehicles.
- Establishing stricter lifetime requirements for all vehicles in terms of mileage and overall lifespan.
TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
With the Council’s approval of the European Parliament’s position, the Euro 7 regulation has been formally adopted. Following signatures by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Key timelines for implementation include:
- 30 months for new types of cars and vans, and 42 months for new cars and vans.
- 48 months for new types of buses, trucks, and trailers, and 60 months for new buses, lorries, and trailers.
- 30 months for new systems, components, or technical units for cars and vans, and 48 months for those for buses, lorries, and trailers.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
The Euro 7 regulation aligns with the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and Zero-Pollution Action Plan. It builds on previous regulations, such as the strengthening of CO2 emission performance standards for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. While aiming for a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 2035, the Euro 7 rules will continue to address emissions until that date, alongside other regulations promoting cleaner vehicles.
The Euro 7 regulation represents a significant step towards achieving cleaner air and sustainable mobility across the European Union.