The EU council has agreed on a plan to water down the Euro 7 emission standard proposal. The decision reverts on previous suggested changes, keeping Euro 7 more like Euro 6 emission standards. The main drivers to the change were the concerns of how harsher emission standards would affect the automotive industry, and its eventual electrification.

A change from initial proposals

Although air pollution has reduced in recent years, it remains a major environmental and health risk in the EU. Initial proposals were made in November 2022 for the new Euro 7 emission standards, following several delays. The proposal aimed at tackling emissions from tailpipes, brake pads and tyres, whilst keeping vehicles affordable.

On the 25th of September, EU ministers  agreed a diluted proposal to the planned Euro 7 emission standard. Emission limits for cars and vans are now to remain unchanged compared to Euro 6, regardless of fuel type. Similarly, on-road testing conditions for cars are now set to remain on par with Euro 6 standards. Moreover, limitations on ammonia cold start limits for cars have also been scrapped. Particle pollution limits for new car tyres are set to come into force after a four-year period while tyres already on the market have been granted an additional 2.5 years to comply with the regulations.

For trucks, city emission limits have

To read the rest of the article, and for full access to our news and insights, log in to our Membership Platform. If you are not a Member, you can request a trial of the platform.

Image credit: Adobe Stock