Tougher new-vehicle emissions standards to impact utes the most
Euro 6d and better quality petrol to start rolling out in Australia from late 2025; will impact all new vehicles from mid-2028Almost 10 years after it was proposed for Australian introduction, the more stringent Euro 6 emissions standard will finally be mandated from December 2025.
Separate to the CO2 emissions standard that is being proposed to drive the sale of electric vehicles, Euro 6d will tighten limits for noxious emissions such as nitrogen oxides and particulates in petrol and diesel that cause cancer and respiratory illness.
Euro 6d will initially apply to new models being introduced from December 2025, but all new passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles sold in Australia are expected to have to comply with Euro 6d by July 2028.
One of the biggest impacts of the tougher new emissions standard will be on Thai-built diesel utes such as the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – Australia’s two most popular new vehicles – which will need to be upgraded.
However, most vehicles sourced from Europe should be in the clear already as Euro 6 has been mandated in Europe since 2015 and the 6d update since 2021. Euro 6 was originally scheduled for Australian introduction in 2017.
The introduction of Euro 6d is coming at the same time as an increase in 95 RON petrol quality via a reduction in aromatic hydrocarbons.
Aromatics are a natural component of crude oil that aids engine performance, but at high levels can cause operability issues. Sulfur levels will also be reduced in 91, 95 and 98 RON fuel at the same time.
It is likely vehicle manufacturers will recommend 95 RON as a lower limit for Euro 6d petrol-fuelled powertrains, excluding the cheaper 91 RON fuel.
carsales also understands the introduction of Euro 6d will bring with it the requirement for real-world emissions testing.
Noxious emissions produced by vehicles contributed to more than 1700 deaths in Australia in 2015, the federal government stated in a press release announcing the introduction of Euro 6d.
A University of Melbourne study also found that more than 11,000 Australians die prematurely every year from transport emissions, while 19,000 people are hospitalised for heart and lung issues.
“These updates to our vehicle standards will see almost 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions cut from the transport sector by 2050 – equivalent to taking 280 000 cars off the road,” said the federal minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen.
Infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King said the changes would save lives.
“The changes, along with Fuel Efficiency Standards are part of delivering cleaner, cheaper to run cars and tackling transport costs for Australian families and businesses,” she said.
“Tightening Australia’s noxious emissions standards will prevent deaths caused by toxic air pollution.
“Noxious emissions contribute to strokes, respiratory illnesses and cancer and equivalent standards have already been introduced in countries such as the US, China, India and Japan.”
Images: Getty Images
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