Legislation for Sustainable Mobility
Euro 7 emission standards
The European Commission is preparing to introduce the next stage of emissions standards, known as Euro 7 (for light-duty vehicles) and VII (for heavy-duty). A new era for vehicle emissions control already started with the introduction of Real-Driving Emissions (RDE) and Portable Emissions Measuring Systems (PEMS) testing within Euro 6/VI legislation, but there remain areas where improved emission standards are required.
This chart shows the number of particles from gasoline cars (Source: ACEA/JAMA PEMS data consulted 17 July 2020).
This chart shows nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel cars (Source: ACEA/JAMA PEMS data consulted 17 July 2020).
AECC welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to prepare this next step in the emission standards for cars, vans, lorries and buses. One of our main objectives will be to follow developments and contribute constructively to a robust regulation with data from our scientific demonstration and test programmes. All predictions show the internal combustion engine (ICE) will be included in the majority of the (electrified) powertrain mix in the medium term. Euro 7/VII represents an opportunity to further improve the emissions performance of these powertrains, so they remain a part of the solution to improve the air quality in our cities.
Source: Bloomberg NEF 2020
AECC is proposing the following overarching principles for the Euro 7/VII legislation to improve European air quality and to ensure the health and well-being of everyone:
Successive Euro emission standards have promoted innovation in the design of emissions control systems. The new Euro 7 will drive further innovation within an integrated approach for e.g. catalyst and filter technology design, system layout design and system control.
AECC’s position on Euro 7 was published in June 2021, complemented by a Euro 7/VII Technical Note published in November 2021. Key messages can be found here.
Further material is available on the work conducted by AECC on the light- and heavy-duty demo vehicles.
CO2 emissions standards for cars and vans
The European Commission presented a proposal to review the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans within the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package. The discussions are progressing within the co-legislators (European Parliament and European Council) and a final agreement is expected within 2022.
AECC has submitted comments to the public consultation.
Renewable Energy Directive (RED)
The European Commission presented a proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive, implementing the ambition of the new 2030 climate target within the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package. The discussions are progressing within the co-legislators (European Parliament and European Council) and a final agreement is expected within 2022.
AECC has submitted comments to the public consultation.
On both subjects, you can find our key messages here.
A robust pollutant emissions legislative framework combined with the use of low-carbon and renewable sustainable fuels to further reduce GHG emissions will contribute to achieving Clean, Efficient, Convenient and Affordable Mobility.