European Union agrees on weaker Euro 7 emissions regulations
EU buckles to industry demands by sticking with current limits and test conditionsThe Council of the European Union has agreed not to change the current emissions limits or testing conditions for passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles with the switch from Euro 6 to Euro 7 regulations.
In a win for Europe’s major car manufacturers, the tough new measures originally proposed under Euro 7 – which some car-makers argued would make combustion-engined vehicles, particularly smaller cars, unviable overnight – have been weakened to the point where only heavy commercial vehicles and buses now face “slightly adjusted” limits.
There will also be a limit on “non-exhaust emissions” like particles from brakes and tyres as well as minimum performance requirements for battery durability in EVs, plus stricter vehicle lifetime requirements.
Due to come into effect in 2025, the laws are still to pass through the European Parliament, however the European Council’s decision to retain the status quo should now see its “negotiating position” hold sway.
The backdown was accepted on the grounds that tougher new emissions standards could divert car-makers away from the ongoing development of EVs, forcing them back onto internal combustion engine (ICE) technology as the industry works towards the mandated target of banning all new ICE cars and LCVs in Europe by 2035.
While some European car-makers are already giving up ICE cars, heavy hitters such as the Stellantis group (Jeep, RAM, Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, among others) have lobbied hard – and successfully – against the proposed Euro 7 regulations, which would have effectively mandated EVs across Europe’s new-vehicle fleet.
In a statement, Council of the EU member and Spain’s acting industry and trade minister, Hector Gomez Hernandez, said: “Our position is to continue the path of leading the mobility of the future and adopting realistic emissions levels for the vehicles of the next decade while helping our industry make the definitive leap towards clean cars in 2035.
“We believe that, with this proposal, we achieved broad support, a balance in the investment costs of the manufacturing brands and we improve the environmental benefits derived from the regulation.”
Hernandez’s comments were echoed by Italy’s industry minister Adolfo Urso, who said the new regulations would “safeguard the automotive supply chain of small-volume manufacturers” like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.
Notably, car-makers planning to harness synthetic e-fuels to extend the life of their combustion-engined vehicles beyond 2035 may now be required to ensure their cars are carbon-neutral.
Citing a draft document, news agency Reuters has reported that the EU is set to introduce the carbon-neutral requirement after Germany demanded an exemption from the ICE sales ban for vehicles running on e-fuel.
The exemption conditions, standards and testing procedures are said to be even stricter than those pending for heavy commercial vehicles under Euro 7, which is likely to limit the number of brands banking on e-fuel.
Porsche is among those investing heavily in the technology, partnering with HIF to establish production facilities around the world – including Australia.
Related: Porsche 911 to be combustion-powered ‘as long as possible’
Related: Eight countries push back against Euro 7 emissions regs
Related: ICE cars running on e-fuels escape 2035 EU ban
Related: Europe agrees to ban new combustion vehicles by 2035
Related: Tasmanian e-fuel to power Porsche cars from 2026
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