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Brussels, |
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Euro 7 Is Born
Under these new rules, vehicles—including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers—will be required to meet stricter emissions standards throughout a longer period of their lifecycle. This initiative aims not only to maintain cleaner air in our cities but also to challenge the automotive industry to innovate towards more environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Implications for manufacturers include...
This week, in a groundbreaking vote, the European Parliament took radical measures to dramatically reduce vehicle emissions. For old and new vehicles. The left voted against the new standards because they were not strict enough.
By Charles STRASS
Brussels, 15 March 2024 - 5 MINUTES READ
Brussels, 15 March 2024 - 5 MINUTES READ
The European Parliament has approved the new EU Regulation aimed at reducing emissions from various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers.
Subsequently, the EU Council confirmed by a vote its agreement and the new Regulation has been published on EU Official Journal, on 8 May 2024. Read the text here.
The EP decision, made with 297 votes in favor, 190 against, and 37 abstentions, supports the Euro 7 regulation, which mandates vehicles to adhere to stricter emission standards throughout their lifetime, addressing not only exhaust emissions but also micro-plastics from tires and brake particles for the first time.
Despite opposition from Socialist, Green, and Left MEPs, who criticized the standards for not being stringent enough, the proposal was backed by the EPP, ECR, and Renew groups, emphasizing a balance between environmental objectives and the automotive industry's needs. The regulation aims to maintain affordability for consumers while preparing for sectoral changes, including higher battery durability and the introduction of an Environmental Vehicle Passport for all vehicles.
This regulation, which still requires formal approval from the Council to become enforceable, is part of a series of standards to enhance air quality by setting permissible pollution levels. It keeps the current Euro 6 test conditions and exhaust emissions limits for passenger cars and vans but introduces stricter limits for buses and trucks. Critics argue that the new rules, dubbed by some as "Euro 6F", are insufficient and do little to advance from previous standards, with concerns over the impact on health and the automotive industry's lobbying influence.
Under these new rules, vehicles—including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers—will have to meet stricter emissions standards for a longer period of their lifecycle. This move not only aims to keep our cities' air cleaner but also challenges the automotive industry to innovate towards more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Interestingly, the Euro 7 regulation maintains the current testing conditions for passenger cars and vans under Euro 6, but introduces tougher emissions limits for buses and trucks.
As said, Electric and hybrid vehicles are not left out; the EU has set minimum performance standards for battery durability, ensuring that the push for electric vehicles does not come at the cost of sustainability. This is a clear signal that the EU is looking towards a future where electric vehicles play a major role in reducing the continent's carbon footprint.
Here's a table summarizing the application timeline for new types of vehicles and components, along with a description of the vehicle categories:
Subsequently, the EU Council confirmed by a vote its agreement and the new Regulation has been published on EU Official Journal, on 8 May 2024. Read the text here.
The EP decision, made with 297 votes in favor, 190 against, and 37 abstentions, supports the Euro 7 regulation, which mandates vehicles to adhere to stricter emission standards throughout their lifetime, addressing not only exhaust emissions but also micro-plastics from tires and brake particles for the first time.
Despite opposition from Socialist, Green, and Left MEPs, who criticized the standards for not being stringent enough, the proposal was backed by the EPP, ECR, and Renew groups, emphasizing a balance between environmental objectives and the automotive industry's needs. The regulation aims to maintain affordability for consumers while preparing for sectoral changes, including higher battery durability and the introduction of an Environmental Vehicle Passport for all vehicles.
This regulation, which still requires formal approval from the Council to become enforceable, is part of a series of standards to enhance air quality by setting permissible pollution levels. It keeps the current Euro 6 test conditions and exhaust emissions limits for passenger cars and vans but introduces stricter limits for buses and trucks. Critics argue that the new rules, dubbed by some as "Euro 6F", are insufficient and do little to advance from previous standards, with concerns over the impact on health and the automotive industry's lobbying influence.
Under these new rules, vehicles—including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers—will have to meet stricter emissions standards for a longer period of their lifecycle. This move not only aims to keep our cities' air cleaner but also challenges the automotive industry to innovate towards more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Interestingly, the Euro 7 regulation maintains the current testing conditions for passenger cars and vans under Euro 6, but introduces tougher emissions limits for buses and trucks.
As said, Electric and hybrid vehicles are not left out; the EU has set minimum performance standards for battery durability, ensuring that the push for electric vehicles does not come at the cost of sustainability. This is a clear signal that the EU is looking towards a future where electric vehicles play a major role in reducing the continent's carbon footprint.
Here's a table summarizing the application timeline for new types of vehicles and components, along with a description of the vehicle categories:
Category |
Category Description |
New Types/Application Timeline |
New Vehicles/Application Timeline |
Implications |
|
1 |
M1, N1 (New Types) |
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles |
30 months from entry |
-- |
Manufacturers need to ensure new types of M1 and N1 vehicles and components comply sooner. |
2 |
M1, N1 (New Vehicles) |
Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles |
-- |
42 months from entry |
Manufacturers have additional time to make existing M1 and N1 vehicles and components compliant. |
3 |
M2, M3, N2, N3, O3, O4 (New Types) |
Buses, coaches, and heavy-duty vehicles |
48 months from entry |
-- |
Extended timeframe for compliance for new types of larger vehicles and components. |
4 |
M2, M3, N2, N3, O3, O4 (New Vehicles) |
Buses, coaches, and heavy-duty vehicles |
-- |
60 months from entry |
Additional time for larger vehicles and components to become compliant. |
5 |
C1 Class Tyres |
Passenger vehicle tyres |
1 July 2028 |
-- |
Tyre manufacturers have a clear deadline to meet new standards for passenger vehicle tyres. |
6 |
C2 Class Tyres |
Bus and coach tyres |
1 April 2030 |
-- |
Specific deadline for bus and coach tyre standards emphasizes need for innovation in this segment. |
7 |
C3 Class Tyres |
Heavy-duty truck tyres |
1 April 2032 |
-- |
Heavy-duty truck tyres face later compliance deadline, allowing more time for development. |
8 |
M1, N1 by Small-volume Manufacturers |
Small-volume passenger cars and light commercial vehicles |
-- |
1 July 2030 |
Small-volume manufacturers of M1 and N1 have an extended period for compliance. |
9 |
M2, M3, N2, N3 by Small-volume Manufacturers |
Small-volume buses, coaches, and heavy-duty vehicles |
-- |
1 July 2031 |
Small-volume manufacturers of larger vehicles have an extra year for compliance compared to M1 and N1. |
To empower consumers, each vehicle will now come with an Environmental Vehicle Passport, detailing its environmental performance. This initiative promises greater transparency and could influence buying decisions, steering the market towards cleaner options.
Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra highlighted the balance the EU seeks to achieve between environmental objectives and the interests of manufacturers and consumers. The regulation not only aims to make cleaner technologies more affordable but also prepares the automotive sector for a significant transformation.
As the EU strides forward with these new measures, the global automotive industry watches closely. This legislation could not only lead to significant improvements in air quality in European cities but also set a benchmark for vehicle emissions standards worldwide.
The next steps involve formal approval from the Council before these ambitious measures can take effect, marking a crucial moment in Europe's environmental and transport policy landscape.
Would you stay tuned with us in order to be informed on next EU moves on this subject?
Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra highlighted the balance the EU seeks to achieve between environmental objectives and the interests of manufacturers and consumers. The regulation not only aims to make cleaner technologies more affordable but also prepares the automotive sector for a significant transformation.
As the EU strides forward with these new measures, the global automotive industry watches closely. This legislation could not only lead to significant improvements in air quality in European cities but also set a benchmark for vehicle emissions standards worldwide.
The next steps involve formal approval from the Council before these ambitious measures can take effect, marking a crucial moment in Europe's environmental and transport policy landscape.
Would you stay tuned with us in order to be informed on next EU moves on this subject?
