📋 Tender Overview
The Environment Committee adopted its proposals to lower pollutant emissions and set battery durability requirements for passenger cars, vans, buses and trucks.
On Thursday, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted its position on revamping EU rules for type-approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (Euro 7) with 52 votes in favour, 32 against and one abstention.
Updated limits for exhaust emissions
MEPs agreed with the levels proposed by the Commission for pollutant emissions (such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ammonia) for passenger cars and propose an additional breakdown of emissions into three categories for light commercial vehicles based on their weight. The adopted text proposes stricter limits for exhaust emissions by buses and heavy-duty vehicles, including levels set for real driving emissions. Specific application time frames have been included for various Euro 7 provisions, linked to the entry into force of all secondary legislation foreseen – namely after 36 months (and as of 1 July 2030 for small volume manufacturers) for light vehicles and after 60 months (and as of 1 July 2031 for small volume manufacturers) for heavy-duty vehicles. The regulations currently in force (Euro 6/VI) would be repealed on 1 July 2030 for cars and vans, and on 1 July 2031 for buses and trucks (compared to 2025 and 2027 respectively as proposed by the Commission).
Less particle emissions from tyres and brakes, increased battery durability
MEPs want to align the EU’s calculation methodologies and limits for brake particle emission and tyre abrasion rate with international standards currently being developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. These rules would apply to all vehicles, including electric ones. The text also includes higher minimum performance requirements for battery durability for cars and vans than those proposed by the Commission.
Other proposed measures include:
An up-to-date environmental vehicle passport (EVP) containing information such as fuel consumption, battery health, emissions limits, periodic technical inspections results;
Stricter lifetime requirements for vehicles, engines and pollution control systems;
Obligation to install on-board systems for monitoring several parameters such as excess exhaust emissions, real-world fuel and energy consumption, and traction battery health;
Specific rules for small and ultra-small volume manufacturers.
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Rapporteur Alexandr Vondra (ECR, CZ) said: “We have successfully struck a balance between environmental goals and the vital interests of manufacturers. It would be counterproductive to implement environmental policies that harm both Europe’s industry and its citizens. Through our compromise, we serve the interests of all parties involved and steer clear of extreme positions.”
Next steps
The report is scheduled to be adopted during the November I 2023 plenary sitting and will constitute Parliament’s negotiating position with EU governments on the final shape of the legislation.
