Euro 7: Parliament approval paves way for cleaner EU vehicles

On March 13, the European Parliament endorsed a landmark set of EU regulations aimed at significantly reducing emissions from a wide range of road vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, buses, trucks, and trailers. Garnering 297 votes in favor, 190 against, and 37 abstentions, the Parliament ratified the Euro 7 regulation agreement, which mandates adherence to new, stringent standards throughout a vehicle’s operational life.

Under the new Euro 7 standards, passenger cars and vans will continue to be tested under the existing Euro 6 conditions, ensuring consistency while tightening exhaust emissions limits for buses and trucks. These limits will apply both in laboratory settings and under real driving conditions, maintaining the rigorous Euro VI testing framework.

For the first time, the EU will set limits on brake particle emissions (PM10) for cars and vans and establish minimum performance criteria for the durability of batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, marking a significant step towards sustainability.

Empowering consumers with information

A novel Environmental Vehicle Passport will be introduced for each vehicle, providing detailed insights into its environmental footprint at the time of registration. This includes data on pollutant emission limits, CO2 emissions, fuel and electric energy consumption, electric range, and battery longevity. Additionally, vehicle owners will have access to real-time information on fuel consumption, battery status, pollutant emissions, and other critical data through onboard systems and monitors.

“We have successfully struck a balance between environmental goals and the vital interests of manufacturers. We want to ensure the affordability of new smaller cars with internal combustion engines for domestic customers and at the same time enable the automotive industry to prepare for the expected transformation of the sector. The EU will now also be addressing emissions from brakes and tyres and ensuring higher battery durability,” said Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra (ECR, CZ).

ACEA’s perspective on Euro 7’s global leadership

Sigrid de Vries, director general of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), praised the Euro 7 vote for prioritising future-oriented challenges, such as vehicle brake emissions and electric vehicle battery requirements. However, she noted that the regulation also introduces tighter exhaust emissions and testing procedures, particularly impacting truck and bus manufacturers as they strive to meet the 2030 decarbonisation targets without the necessary enabling conditions.

De Vries highlighted the need for policy makers to facilitate the transition to newer, less polluting vehicles through incentives and a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures affordability. She also pointed out the necessity for secondary legislation to address inconsistencies in the text, with ACEA committed to advocating for a realistic and balanced approach to Euro 7 that considers both environmental and competitive factors.

What’s next?

The Council’s formal approval is the next step before the Euro 7 regulation can be officially implemented. This regulation responds to public demand for electric vehicles with reliable batteries, the expansion of digital and electrical infrastructure, and a reduction in the EU’s energy dependence, aligning with the Conference on the Future of Europe’s conclusions.

Further details on the legislative process and related materials are available through the European Parliament website.