Road transport is currently the largest source of air pollution in cities, but the new Euro 7 standards, coupled with CO2 emission standards, would “give the automotive supply chain a clear direction for reducing pollutant emissions, including using digital technologies”, the European Commission said.
In 2035, all cars and vans sold in the EU will have zero CO2-emissions under proposals confirmed last month.
But even in 2050, more than 20 per cent of cars and vans – and more than half of the heavier vehicles – driving on EU roads are expected to continue to emit pollutants from the tailpipe.
The new proposal tackles emissions from tailpipes as well as from brakes and tyres, the latter two of which will continue to be relevant even for battery electric vehicles.
It replaces previously separate emission rules for cars and vans (Euro 6) and lorries and buses (Euro VI) and will bring the standard for all motor vehicles under a single set of rules.
They are...