Dirty Cars Can Breathe Easy After EU Drops Planned Euro 7 Emissions Rules

In a victory for carmakers, European Union lawmakers have agreed to drop tough new Euro 7 emissions regulations that would have come into force in 2025. This decision comes as a relief for car manufacturers and countries with prominent car industries, such as France and Italy, who argued that the proposed regulations were unnecessary and expensive distractions from their plans to build up electric vehicle (EV) portfolios ahead of Europe’s 2035 ban on combustion engines.

The revised proposal, put forward by Spain, the current head of the EU, has been agreed upon by a body comprised of ministers from each EU country. However, it still needs to be signed into law. Under the watered-down version of the regulations, emissions standards for cars will remain the same as Euro 6. This means that cars will not be required to emit any fewer pollutants than they currently do. However, buses and heavy commercial vehicles will still have to meet tougher new limits.

The decision to drop the stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations has sparked mixed reactions. Eight member states, including Germany, had been pushing for modifications or the complete abandonment of the original rules and are pleased with the outcome. Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, a prominent critic of the proposals, warned that meeting the regulations would significantly increase the end-user price of small cars, disproportionately affecting lower-income families.

However, Germany, whose car industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, refused to support the revised Spanish proposal. German Green state secretary Sven Giegold argued that the new rules fall below the current state of technology and would result in Europe falling below international air quality standards.

While carmakers may be celebrating this decision, environmentalists and advocates for cleaner air are concerned about the implications. The Euro 7 emissions regulations aimed to reduce tailpipe emissions from vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and improved public health. With the watered-down version of the rules, cars will continue to emit pollutants at the same levels as they do today, potentially exacerbating air pollution issues.

In addition to the relaxed emissions standards for cars, the EU did agree to introduce new limits on tire and brake particle emissions. This is an important step, as these emissions have only recently gained attention within the industry. Brake and tire particles can contribute to air pollution and pose health risks. Addressing these emissions is crucial for improving air quality, even as combustion engines are phased out.

The decision to drop the Euro 7 emissions regulations highlights the ongoing debate between prioritizing the growth of electric vehicles and implementing stricter emissions standards for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While EVs are seen as the future of transportation, ICE vehicles will continue to dominate the market for the foreseeable future. Stricter emissions regulations for ICE vehicles would have pushed car manufacturers to invest more in EVs and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

However, critics argue that the focus should be on improving EV infrastructure and affordability rather than burdening car manufacturers with costly regulations. They believe that by encouraging the adoption of EVs through incentives and infrastructure development, the transition to cleaner transportation can be achieved more effectively.

The dropping of the Euro 7 emissions regulations is a significant development in the automotive industry. It reflects the complex challenges faced by policymakers in balancing environmental concerns with economic considerations. While carmakers may benefit from this decision in the short term, it raises questions about Europe’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the long run.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers to strike a balance between supporting the growth of EVs and implementing regulations that encourage cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The decision to drop the Euro 7 emissions regulations serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding emissions standards and the transition to a greener future.