Euro7 is Born. It Also Affects Electric Vehicles

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, eEuropa

Brussels, 15 March 2024

The European Parliament has approved new EU regulations aimed at reducing emissions from various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers.

Click to read the text approved.

The 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.

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.

Learn more on EU Automotive Strategy…