Euro 7: MEPs back regulations for reducing pollutant emissions

author: FutureCar Staff    

MEPs are ready to start talks with EU governments on new rules to reduce road transport emissions for passenger cars, vans, buses, and trucks. Last week, Parliament adopted its negotiating position on revamping EU rules for type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) with a majority of votes in favor. The new regulation aims to update current limits for exhaust emissions and introduce measures to reduce emissions from tires and brakes, as well as increase battery durability.

In line with the Commission's proposal, MEPs agree with the levels for pollutant emissions for passenger cars. Additionally, they propose a breakdown of emissions into three categories for light commercial vehicles based on their weight. Stricter limits on exhaust emissions are also proposed for buses and heavy-duty vehicles, both in laboratory and real driving conditions. Parliament also aims to align the EU's calculation methodologies and limits for brake particle emissions and tire abrasion rates with international standards being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra highlights the importance of striking a balance between environmental goals and the interests of manufacturers. The compromise reached aims to serve the interests of all parties involved and avoid extreme positions that could harm Europe's industry and citizens.

The next step for Parliament is to begin discussions with EU governments to finalize the law. This follows the Commission's proposal for more stringent air pollutant emissions standards for combustion-engine vehicles, regardless of the fuel used. The current emission limits (Euro 6 for cars and vans, Euro VI for buses, trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles) will be updated in the Euro 7 proposal, which also addresses non-exhaust emissions and battery durability.

By adopting this report, Parliament responds to citizens' expectations to promote the purchase of electric vehicles with good battery life standards, advance the deployment of digital and electrical infrastructure, and reduce the EU's energy dependency on foreign actors. These goals align with the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

For more information, refer to the recent press release.

FutureCar Staff