The proposal replaces and simplifies previously separate emission rules for cars and vans (Euro 6) and lorries and buses (Euro VI). The Euro 7 standards rules bring emission limits for all motor vehicles under a single set of rules. The new rules are fuel- and technology-neutral, placing the same limits regardless of whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electric drivetrains or alternative fuels.
Limits will be tightened for lorries and buses while the lowest existing limits for cars and vans will now apply regardless of the fuel used by the vehicle. The new rules also set emission limits for previously unregulated pollutants, such as formaldehyde and nitrous oxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
In 2035, Euro 7 will lower total NOx emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to Euro VI from buses and lorries. At the same time, particles from the tailpipe will be lowered by 13% from cars and vans, and 39% from buses and lorries, while particles from the brakes of a car will be lowered by 27%.
Emissions will be monitored by on-board sensors, making the periodic technical controls and compliance checks easier. The proposal also foresees modifications in the design of the limits to focus the attention on the reduction of cold-start emissions, which are especially important for urban driving.
The Euro 7 standards rules are said to be the first worldwide emission standards to move beyond regulating exhaust pipe emissions and set additional limits for particulate emissions from brakes and rules on microplastic emissions from tyres. These rules will apply to all vehicles, including electric ones.
In addition, all vehicles will need to comply with the rules for a longer period than until now. Compliance for cars and vans will be checked until these vehicles reach 200,000 kilometres and 10 years of age. This doubles the durability requirements existing under Euro 6/VI rules (100,000 kilometres and 5 years of age). Similar increases will take place for buses and lorries.
It estimates the cost of implementing these changes as between Eur90-150 for cars and vans, and ‘around’ Eur2,700 for lorries and buses.
It said: “The new Euro 7 standards will ensure cleaner vehicles on our roads and improved air quality, protecting the health of our citizens and the environment. Euro 7 standards and CO2 emission standards for vehicles work hand-in-hand to deliver air quality for citizens, as notably the increased uptake of electric vehicles also creates certain air quality benefits.”
The agreed target for 100% CO2 reduction by 2035 for cars and vans has been taken into account in this proposal. For lorries and buses powered by internal combustion engines, a further proposal for legislation to reduce CO2 emissions is still in preparation.
The proposal also contributes to achieving the new stricter air quality standards proposed by the Commission on 26 October 2022.
According to the Commission's proposal, the date for the entry into force of the new Regulation is 1 July 2025 for new light-duty vehicles (cars and vans), and 1 July 2027 for new heavy-duty vehicles (lorries and buses).
The Commission's proposal will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council in view of its adoption by the co-legislators.
Manufacturers’ group ACEA criticised the proposals.
“To comply with Euro 7, truck makers will have to move substantial engineering and financial resources from battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles back to the internal combustion engine. This will severely impact our transition to zero-emission vehicles. It is not good for the climate, not good for people’s health and not good for the industry,” stated Martin Lundstedt, CEO of Volvo Group and Chairperson of ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board.
It also argued that the deadlines were too soon, that the environmental benefit achieved by the changes is not worth the cost, and that Euro 7 should focus on emissions from tyres and brakes instead.
Although the UK is no longer formally required to meet EU standards, almost all of the commercial vehicles sold in the UK are made by European manufacturers.