Emission limits: EU presents new exhaust emission standard
Not only combustion engines, but also e-cars will be regulated by the future Euro 7 emissions standard in view of their pollutant emissions. A long-controversial proposal by the European Commission, which, despite criticism, should slowly pave the way for the traffic turnaround.
The presentation of a new emission standard, which is supposed to make the environmental impact of dirty vehicles more environmentally compatible in terms of climate protection, has been postponed several times. After a long wait, the European Commission finally published the legislative proposal for the new emissions standard yesterday. It not only introduces a partially stricter emission class, Euro 7, but also establishes additional classes to better reflect the emission status of the car - and to have different emissions under control.
A regulation that was as much expected as it is now criticised. According to the critical voices, there are several weak points in the future emissions regulation. The limit values for air pollutants are "in some cases lower than those of the Euro 6 emissions standard that has been in force since 2015". They will hardly be stricter for cars with petrol engines, while a slight tightening in the diesel sector will bring the maximum emission level to "petrol engine level". Both internal combustion engines are to emit a maximum of 60 milligrams per kilometre of nitrogen oxide. This is not a significant reduction in values, but it could lead to an increase in vehicle prices, especially for trucks - in that their emissions will be more strictly controlled.
On the other hand, Euro 7 will be more comprehensive than its predecessors. Not only because of the broader classification in the pollutant classes - namely Euro 7, Euro 7+, Euro 7A and Euro 7G - but also with regard to all climate-damaging agents considered. The special feature that distinguishes the new regulation from its predecessors is the inclusion of all types of vehicle-related emissions. In addition to carbon dioxide, this includes particulate matter and nitrogen oxides from tyre and brake abrasion, and no longer exclusively engine exhaust gases.
Thus, the new emissions standard does not only affect the "last combustion engines" before the planned phase-out in 2035. They will also apply to vehicles with hydrogen drives and electric motors, symbols of the mobility of the coming decades. Long under discussion were the lower but still environmentally harmful operating emissions that e-vehicles cause due to tyre and brake friction. Within the framework of the new Euro 7, car manufacturers will therefore be obliged to reduce the pollutant emissions of their models even in the last years before they say goodbye to diesel and petrol engines. And, at the same time, to look into the future in order to prepare both industry and citizens for the transport transition. For it is true that the end is coming for combustion engines, perhaps more slowly than necessary. However, the risk that climate-friendly vehicles will be completely overestimated in terms of their sustainability must be avoided.
Euro 7 is to come into force from 2025 for cars and vans - and from 2027 for trucks and buses. It is currently unclear whether changes will be made to the proposed legislation by then. This would also imply a complete adjustment of the environmental zone rules and new environmental badges in Europe. According to the EU Commission, the proposal should survive the next phase of review by the European Parliament and the member states in its current version. After all, there is no more time to lose in the ecological transition.