The European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI) has voted on the European Council’s proposal to water down Euro 7 legislation. The Committee voted 52 in favour, 32 against, and one abstention. The European Council’s initial proposal was agreed last month.

A Weakened Euro 7 Passes Again

Last month, EU ministers agreed to dilute Euro 7 emission standards. They proposed keeping existing Euro 6 emissions standards for passenger cars and vans until July 1, 2030, and until July 1, 2031, for buses and trucks. This deviates from the European Commission’s initial proposal in November 2022, where it suggested more stringent limits and earlier Euro 6 expiration dates of 2025 for cars and 2027 for trucks. Similarly, on-road testing conditions for cars will now remain on par with Euro 6 standards. Moreover, they have also scrapped limitations on ammonia cold start limits for cars. Authorities will enforce particle pollution limits for new car tyres after a four-year period. Existing tyres in the market have been given an extra 2.5 years to comply with the regulations. For trucks, city emission limits have been scrapped, and previous advancements in on-road testing have also been abandoned.

Other Changes

MEPs endorsed the emission levels suggested by the Commission for nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia in passenger cars. They are advocating for the alignment of the EU’s methods and thresholds for brake particle emissions and tyre abrasion rates with the international standards being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. These regulations would be applicable to all vehicles, including electric ones. The document also sets higher battery durability standards for cars and vans than the Commission’s proposals.

Additionally, the proposed measures comprise:

  • Implementing an up-to-date environmental vehicle passport containing details such as fuel efficiency, battery condition, emission limits, and results of regular technical inspections.
  • Introducing stricter longevity requirements for vehicles, engines, and pollution control systems.
  • Obligation to install on-board systems for monitoring several parameters such as excess exhaust emissions, real-world fuel and energy consumption, and traction battery health.
  • Establishing specific regulations for manufacturers producing small and ultra-small volumes of vehicles.

These changes come after push back from the automotive industry. Vehicle manufacturers argued the cost of compliance to strict Euro 7 standards would hinder their ability to fully electrify. Due to investing in more efficient ICE systems that would soon be obsolete.

Rapporteur, Alexandr Vondra, said, “We have successfully struck a balance between environmental goals and the vital interests of manufacturers. It would be counterproductive to implement environmental policies that harm both Europe’s industry and its citizens. Through our compromise, we serve the interests of all parties involved and steer clear of extreme positions.”

Rho’s Evaluation

The passing of this amendment…

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Image credit: European Parliament Multimedia Centre

Sources: European Parliament News