With 52 votes in favour, 32 against, and one abstention, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) has approved the revision of Euro 7 rules aimed at homologating and monitoring the motor vehicle market.

Members of the European Parliament agreed with the emission levels proposed by the Commission for pollutants (such as nitrogen oxides, particulates, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) for passenger cars.

As a result, they proposed a further breakdown of emissions into three categories for light commercial vehicles based on their weight.

The adopted text suggests stricter limits for exhaust emissions from buses and heavy vehicles, including levels established for real driving emissions.

The currently enforced emission standards (Euro 6) would apply until July 1, 2030, for cars and vans and until July 1, 2031, for buses and trucks (compared to 2025 and 2027, respectively, as proposed by the Commission).

In addition, MEPs wish to align EU calculation methodologies and emission limits for brake particles and tire abrasion with the international standards currently being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

These rules would apply to all vehicles, including electric ones.

The text also includes higher minimum performance requirements for the durability of car and van batteries than those proposed by the Commission.

Other measures proposed by Euro 7 include:

• An updated Environmental Vehicle Passport (EVP), containing information such as fuel consumption, battery health, emission limits, and the results of periodic technical inspections.
• Stricter durability requirements for vehicles, engines, and pollution control systems.
• The obligation to install onboard systems to monitor various parameters, such as excessive exhaust emissions, real-world fuel consumption, and traction battery health.
• Specific rules for small and very small volume manufacturers.

MEP Alexandr Vondra states: “We have achieved a successful balance between environmental objectives and the vital interests of manufacturers. It would be counterproductive to implement environmental policies that harm both the European industry and its citizens.”

“Through our commitment, we serve the interests of all parties involved and avoid extreme positions,” she adds.

The report is expected to be adopted during the November 2023 session to establish the Parliament’s negotiating position with the EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.

Read more: Solís: “Euro 7 must be more demanding in the performance and durability of EV batteries”

Background on Euro 7

On November 10, 2022, the Commission proposed stricter regulations on air pollutant emissions for combustion-engine vehicles, regardless of the type of fuel used.

Current emission limits apply to cars and vans (Euro 6) and to buses, trucks, and other heavy vehicles (Euro 7).

According to the Commission, by 2035, Euro 7 would reduce nitrogen emissions from cars and vans by 35% compared to Euro 6, and by 56% compared to the proposal for buses and trucks.

Particle emissions from cars and vans would be 13% lower, and 39% lower for buses and trucks, while brake particles would be 27% lower.