Euro 7 standard: the future of sustainable mobility
In this blog we will explore the key aspects of the Euro 7 standard and its impact on industry, consumers and the environment.
Euro 7 is a vehicle homologation regulation, developed with the aim of reducing emissions of harmful gases and improving air quality, which includes stricter limits for the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), CO2 and other harmful substances. The new legislation consolidates the previous regulations Euro 6 (for cars and vans) and Euro VI (for trucks and buses).
Contrary to some announcements, in the end the changes are minimal and the same emission limits will not be set for all motor vehicles, regardless of power source. Such an agreement will have a favorable effect on maintaining the prices of new passenger and commercial vehicles for end customers.
Overview of key changes
For cars and vans, the limits of exhaust gas emissions according to Euro 6 standards will be maintained, but much smaller particles will be measured (at the level of PN10, instead of PN23) and their number will be higher.
Buses and trucks are expected to have stricter limits on exhaust gas emissions measured in the laboratory and in real driving.
The standard also introduces new limits on emissions of particulate matter (PM10) - 3 mg/km for fully EV; 7 mg/km for ICE, HEV and fuel cell vehicles and 11 mg/km for large vans with internal combustion engines.
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are part of this new standard, not only because of the above-mentioned measurements of particles from brakes and tires, but also because of setting minimum requirements for battery life in electric and hybrid vehicles. The batteries will have to retain at least 80% of their original capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers and maintain at least 72% of their capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometers. Electric vans will have to retain 75% capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers and at least 67% capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Impact on industry and consumers
The Euro 7 standard will significantly affect the automotive industry - to comply with the Euro 7 standard, car manufacturers will have to implement advanced emission control technologies and modify exhaust gas treatment systems. At the same time, consumers can expect more environmentally friendly vehicles, but new technologies that will have to be implemented by manufacturers may also result in an increase in vehicle prices and maintenance costs.
Environmental vehicle passport
An environmental vehicle passport (EVP) is expected for each vehicle, which will contain information declared by the manufacturer during homologation, and through it vehicle users will receive updated information on fuel consumption, battery condition, emission limit values and results of periodic technical inspections, as well as information on technical compliance and other relevant information.
Taking effect of the new standard
Before the agreement takes affect, it still needs to be officially approved by the EU Parliament and the Council. The regulation will apply 30 months after taking effect for cars and vans, and 48 months for buses, trucks and trailers.
Future trends
After the introduction of the Euro 7 standard, further efforts are expected in the direction of reducing emissions and developing environmentally friendly alternatives for conventional cars. This can include the spread of electric vehicles, the development of hydrogen technologies and the promotion of public transport.
Conclusion
The Euro 7 standard represents an important step towards sustainable mobility and environmental protection. Despite the challenges it brings, the standard will encourage innovation and the development of environmentally friendly technologies and contribute to better air quality in cities across Europe. By 2035, it is expected to significantly reduce total NOx emissions, tailpipe particulates and brake particulates produced by cars, vans, buses and trucks.