The Euro 7 standard – what is it and when will it be introduced?

What is Euro 7?

The Euro 7 standard is the latest set of rules introduced by the European Union, aimed at further reducing air pollutant emissions from vehicles. This standard is a continuation of a series of regulations (Euro standards) that started to be introduced in the early 1990s.

Euro 7 focuses in particular on reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter and other pollutants that contribute to the formation of smog and degradation of air quality. Additionally, the new regulations extend the scope of emission control to include pollutants generated by tire and brake abrasion, which is new compared to previous standards.

Euro 7 standard – changes and requirements

The Euro 7 standard introduces specific changes aimed at the integrated assessment of the environmental impact of vehicles.

• Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles: nitrogen oxide emissions reduced to 60 mg/km, which is a 35% reduction compared to the Euro 6 standard.
• Buses and trucks: reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 56% compared to the Euro 4 standard.
• Other sources of pollution: includes particle emissions from braking systems and tire abrasion.
• Durability requirements: extending the period during which vehicles must meet emission standards – from 5 years or 100 000 km up to 10 years or 200 000 km.
• Realistic exhaust emissions measurement: vehicles will be tested in conditions similar to real-life use, not just ideal laboratory conditions.

When will the Euro 7 exhaust emission standard come into force?

The new Euro 7 regulations will come into force from:

• 2025 – for newly registered passenger cars and delivery vans
• 2027 – for buses and trucks

The planned application of these regulations is intended to enable manufacturers to adapt their production processes and ensure that all newly produced vehicles meet the new regulations from the moment the standard enters into force. In practice, car manufacturers have been forced to implement new, restrictive solutions starting this year.

The impact of the Euro 7 standard on the automotive industry

The introduction of the Euro 7 standard is perceived as a big challenge for car manufacturers, who have to invest in the development of technologies that reduce emissions of harmful substances. However, it is also an opportunity for innovation and the development of new, more eco-friendly drive technologies.

The automotive industry has expressed concerns that these changes could significantly increase production costs, which could impact vehicle prices for consumers. Nevertheless, long-term benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced impact on climate change, are arguments for introducing and complying with the new standard.

Is Europe hurting itself?

The assumptions related to reducing emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere are completely understandable. We all want to breathe clean air, free from smog. The question is whether imposing changes by politicians is not too radical a move. The popularization of alternative energy sources and the focus on electric vehicles have led to certain absurdities. Most European countries have not had time to prepare the appropriate infrastructure for electric cars, and 80% of global production of lithium-ion cells takes place in Asia. European regulations are becoming an element that supports Asia’s technological advantage over Europe.

Summary: the high costs of being eco-friendly

The Euro 7 standard is a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier environment in Europe. Tighter emission limits are forcing the automotive industry to adapt to new conditions, which may (but do not have to) lead to the acceleration of innovation in automotive technologies. Reducing exhaust emissions and the electrification of the automotive industry is an important element of the European Union’s environmental policy. The only question is whether it will not become the cause of Chinese technological domination. What is your opinion on the topic?

FAQ

When will the Euro 7 standard come into force?

The Euro 7 standard will apply from January 1, 2025 for all newly registered passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

What are the main changes introduced by Euro 7 compared to previous standards?

In addition to reducing exhaust emissions, they address particle emissions from braking systems and tire abrasion.

When did exhaust emission standards (Euro) begin to be introduced?

The first standard, Euro 1, came into force in 1992 and introduced rules on limiting emissions of harmful substances from combustion vehicles.