The European Union is preparing to implement a new emission standard for cars. Probably the last one. What will be the effects of the regulation on motorists, cars and their manufacturers?
In 2035, a ban on the sale of new cars other than zero-emission cars is to come into force in the European Union. However, before that happens, another emission standard for internal combustion vehicles is to come into force. Euro 7 will be a breakthrough, although not as radical as some ecologists thought. Despite this, the standard is criticized by some car manufacturers, who see it as an additional hurdle that will have to be overcome on the road to full electrification. After all, to develop ways to meet the new standard, manufacturers will have to spend money that could be spent on the development of electric cars.
According to Morgan Stanley, Volkswagen may spend EUR 400 million to adapt its offer to the Euro 7 standard, and Stellantis around EUR 350 million. The new regulations will be the nail in the coffin for diesel cars in passenger cars, and will also have a negative impact on the profitability of the production of the smallest car models. Such vehicles should be cheap by nature, so the need to install additional exhaust gas purification components or hybrid drive units means raising the price to an unattractive level.
According to plans, the new rules for passenger cars will come into force in July 2025, and for trucks and buses in 2027. What will change when the Euro 7 standard comes into force? The “Automotive News Europe” service attempted to summarize these issues.
As noted by ANE, the introduction of the standard will certainly improve air quality. The Euro 7 standard provides for a reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) harmful to health by 35%. against current standards. In the case of trucks and buses, it is to be as much as 56 percent. Particulate emissions are to be reduced by 27%. What’s more, today’s regulations require a car to maintain its legal value for five years or 100,000 km. km. According to the new guidelines, it is to be 10 years or 200,000. mileage.
Interestingly, as noted by “Automotive News Europe”, companies lobbying for companies in the emission control industry, such as Johnson Matthey, NGK and Vitesco, persuaded politicians to much more uncompromising solutions. As you can easily guess, companies in this industry already have to think about the future profile of their business. The authorities of the European Union have compromised with car manufacturers. This means that the retrofitting of future models will not be as expensive as exhaust gas treatment companies would probably like. After 2035, there will be almost no interest in such components.
For the first time, the provisions of the standard will regulate the emission of particulate matter resulting from the abrasion of tires and brake pads. As for the latter, by 2035 it is to be 7 mg / km, and from 2035 only 3 mg / km. The limit for dust from wearing tires has not yet been established. Companies in the tire industry and those specializing in the production of brake pads or discs will have to develop new products. Ultimately, however, the costs will be passed on to buyers anyway. Already today, Brembo declares that when using the Greentive disc and pads with the right composition, dust emissions are reduced by half.
Who will lose at Euro 7?
From an economic point of view, definitely a buyer. According to estimates, equipping a passenger car with the appropriate equipment to ensure compliance with the new standard will cost EUR 304. At first glance, this does not seem like a big expense. However, it is worth remembering that this is the price for today. Within a few years, inflation may significantly change this value.
The real revolution, however, awaits trucks and buses. Here, the key role will be played by the need to reduce NOx emissions by as much as 78 percent. – from the current 400 mg/km to 90 mg/km. This is expected to increase the price of the vehicle by €2,700. This is a very specific amount.
The Euro 7 standard will also mean the end of the era of diesel engines in passenger cars. Currently, they can emit 80 mg NOx per km. After the changes, the limit will be 60 mg/km. Although this difference is only 25 percent, in practice it can make diesels profitable only in models focused on long journeys.
The introduction of a new emission standard is certainly a good decision from the point of view of clean air in large cities. In times when it is increasingly difficult to keep up with rising prices, it will not gain approval in the eyes of ordinary drivers, who will face even greater expenses. What’s more, in less wealthy EU countries, the entry into force of the regulation may mean that many people will use their old cars for longer.
