Euro 7: MEPs back new rules to reduce road transport emissions

On Thursday, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted its position on revamping EU rules for type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) with 52 votes in favour, 32 against and one abstention.

Updated limits for exhaust emissions

MEPs agreed with the levels proposed by the Commission for pollutant emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) for passenger cars and propose an additional breakdown of emissions into three categories for light commercial vehicles based on their weight. The adopted text proposes stricter limits for exhaust emissions by buses and heavy-duty vehicles, including levels set for real driving emissions. The emission standards currently in force (Euro 6/VI) would apply until 1 July 2030 for cars and vans, and 1 July 2031 for buses and trucks (compared to 2025 and 2027 respectively as proposed by the Commission)

Less particle emissions from tyres and brakes, increased battery durability

MEPs want to align the EU’s calculation methodologies and limits for brake particle emission and tyre abrasion rate with international standards currently being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. These rules would apply to all vehicles, including electric ones. The text also includes higher minimum performance requirements for battery durability for cars and vans than those proposed by the Commission.

Other proposed measures include:

• An up-to-date environmental vehicle passport (EVP) containing information such as fuel consumption, battery health, emissions limits, periodic technical inspections results;
• Stricter lifetime requirements for vehicles, engines and pollution control systems;
• Obligation to install on-board systems for monitoring several parameters such as excess exhaust emissions, real-world fuel and energy consumption, and traction battery health;
• Specific rules for small and ultra-small volume manufacturers.

Quote

Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra (ECR, CZ) said: “We have successfully struck a balance between environmental goals and the vital interests of manufacturers. It would be counterproductive to implement environmental policies that harm both Europe’s industry and its citizens. Through our compromise, we serve the interests of all parties involved and steer clear of extreme positions.”

Next steps

The report is scheduled to be adopted during the November I 2023 plenary sitting and will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.

Background

On 10 November 2022, the Commission proposed more stringent air pollutant emissions standards for combustion-engine vehicles, regardless of the fuel used. The current emission limits apply to cars and vans (Euro 6) and to buses, trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles (Euro VI). The Euro 7 proposal also includes new measures to tackle non-exhaust emissions (microplastics from tyres and particles from brakes) and requirements concerning battery durability.

According to the Commission, by 2035 Euro 7 would reduce nitrogen emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI for buses and trucks. Particle emissions from cars and vans would be 13% lower, and 39% lower from buses and trucks, while brake particles would be 27% lower.