Euro 7 Completely Changes The Rules Of The Game

A new era of the auto industry begins on November 29. It will no longer be enough for a car to pass MOT and meet emissions regulations. The new Euro 7 standard introduces control throughout the entire life of the vehicle, and owners of gasoline and diesel cars could also feel the consequences.

The biggest innovation is hidden in the system that will itself control the correctness of the emission control device. If the car detects that it pollutes more than allowed, i.e., emits more than 2.5 times the prescribed amount of harmful substances, or that someone has tampered with the system, the driver will receive a warning.

And this is where the serious part of the story begins.

If the fault is not rectified within 2,400 kilometers, the car could have its use limited. Manufacturers will be able to introduce a limit on the number of engine starts, disable restarting after refuelling or block the fuel supply system.

It is important to emphasize: the car will not turn off in the middle of driving. The restriction will be activated the next time you start, which in practice could mean you have to call a tow truck.

It also includes electric vehicles

But Euro 7 does not bring changes only for gasoline and diesel engines. For the first time, it seriously includes electric cars!

Brakes, tyres and batteries are also under attack. The dust created by brake wear now has prescribed limit values: 7 mg/km for cars with internal combustion engines and hybrids, and 3 mg/km for electric vehicles.

The new requirement for electric car batteries is particularly interesting. They will have to retain at least 80 percent of capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers, or 72 percent after eight years or 160,000 kilometers.

Greater security, but also higher costs

What does this all mean for customers? The European Commission estimates an additional cost of up to 450 euros per car, while the auto industry mentions as much as 2,000 euros. More sensors, software and additional systems will inevitably affect the prices of new vehicles.

Euro 7, therefore, is not just another environmental regulation. It is the beginning of a new era in which the car will have to prove that it meets environmental standards during almost its entire lifetime.

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