European Union proposes world’s strictest emissions rules for new cars

The strictest laws in the automotive world are being proposed with a 'near impossible' deadline of 2025 – as Europe aims for zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

Ben Zachariah

07:0012 November 2022

The European Union has put forward a revamped proposal for the world's strictest tailpipe emissions for new motor vehicles from mid-2025, with vans, trucks, and buses due to fall into line with the "near impossible" targets two years later.

The proposed laws – referred to as ‘Euro 7’ – will focus on lowering nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 35 per cent, with all vehicles to be limited to 60 milligrams of NOx per kilometre, bringing diesel vehicles into line with their petrol counterparts.

The change represents a 25 per cent reduction for NOx emissions from diesel cars, and it's estimated to contribute to a 50 per cent reduction of total NOx emissions from automobiles by 2035 (compared to 2018 levels).

In a world first, vehicles will also be subject to non-exhaust emissions, with limits being set on the levels of particulate matter emitted by tyres and brakes.

Regulating brake dust could force car makers to accelerate the introduction of regenerative braking technology, which recuperates energy from slowing vehicles and turns it into electricity for on-board battery packs, rather than relying on the clamping force of brake pads on discs to slow a vehicle.

New cars and trucks will be required to have on-board emissions monitoring systems (OBM) to ensure pollutants are kept within legal limits.

Furthermore, those limits must be met for up to 200,000 kilometres or 10 years – doubling the current distance and age requirements for vehicles to remain compliant.

Industry insiders have accused the Europe Union of setting "unrealistic" and "near impossible" emissions reduction targets, but few will say so publicly.

https://www.drive.com.au/news/european-union-proposes-stricter-emissions-rules/

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