Euro 7 Officially Released: Pioneering the Next Phase of Global Emission Standards – Are You Ready? - Autohome

On May 8, 2024, the Council of the European Union officially issued Regulation (EU) 2024/1257. Within this regulation, the next-phase emission standard known as Euro 7 was formally launched. This brand-new emission standard not only imposes stricter requirements on the emissions of internal combustion engines (ICEs) but also takes into account various potential pollution sources such as tire particles and vehicle durability. It can be said that the advent of the Euro 7 emission standard has set a pioneer for the next phase of global emission standards.  

Before delving into the details, let us first understand the EU’s vehicle classification. In Europe, commercial vehicles are categorized into three classes: N1, N2, and N3. Specifically, N1 refers to light commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of less than 3.5 tons; N2 denotes medium commercial vehicles with a GVW between 3.5 tons and 12 tons; and N3 represents heavy-duty commercial vehicles with a GVW exceeding 12 tons. The relevant limits of the Euro 7 emission standard vary according to the vehicle’s weight class.  

Meanwhile, distinctions are also made based on the engine’s ignition method, which is divided into Positive Ignition (PI) and Compression Ignition (CI). Compression ignition is commonly used in diesel engines, while positive ignition is typical in natural gas engines and gasoline engines, which require the assistance of spark plugs. The operating characteristics resulting from different ignition methods vary, so such a distinction makes the standard more scientifically sound.  

Compared with the Euro 6 emission standard, the Euro 7 standard tightens the limit for nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by 50% – from 400 mg/kWh to 200 mg/kWh – and the limit for particulate matter mass (PM) by 20% – from 10 mg/kWh to 8 mg/kWh. Additionally, the Euro 7 standard introduces new emission limits for methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), set at 500 mg/kWh, 60 mg/kWh, and 200 mg/kWh respectively. Chemical gases like NOₓ pose severe impacts on the environment, leading to ecological hazards such as soil acidification, acid rain, photochemical smog, and exacerbated greenhouse effects. Therefore, stricter restrictions and supervision represent a key requirement of the Euro 7 standard for internal combustion engines.  

Furthermore, the Euro 7 standard introduces a limit on the number of PN10 particles (particles with a diameter exceeding 10 nm), imposing stricter constraints on both the diameter of exhaust particles and their quantity – the latter being reduced from 8×10¹¹ particles to 6×10¹¹ particles. The stricter testing of exhaust particles will better reduce the environmental impact of internal combustion engines, helping to mitigate severe weather like smog and avoid adverse effects on human health.  

Beyond this, the Euro 7 standard also sets requirements for other particulate emissions, including those from brake systems and tires. By December 31, 2029, brake particle emissions from all N1-class light commercial vehicles must not exceed 7 mg/km, while limits for N2 and N3-class medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles are still under development. Limits for tire particle emissions vary by tire type; due to the significant impact of factors such as road conditions and tire formulations on tire performance, the relevant limits for tires are also currently being formulated. This measure will reduce microplastic emissions in the environment and curb pollution from metal dust, further safeguarding human health.  

In terms of technical requirements, the Euro 7 standard is undeniably stringent, and manufacturers will need a considerable amount of time to adapt. However, the EU has also provided an extended exemption period. The applicability dates of the Euro 7 standard depend on the vehicle type: for N1-class vans, the standard applies to all-new models after 30 months and to newly produced N1-class vans after 42 months; for N2 and N3-class vehicles, it applies to all-new models after 48 months and to newly produced N2/N3-class vehicles after 60 months. Stricter emission standards place higher demands on truck manufacturers, further driving the development of new energy and zero-emission commercial vehicles. Of course, progress in emission standards also requires collaborative support from the upstream and downstream industrial chains, and cannot be achieved overnight.  

The introduction of the Euro 7 standard sets a new benchmark for vehicle pollution control. In addition to traditional powertrain pollution, it also incorporates considerations such as battery durability and particle emissions from brakes and tires – aligning with the development trends of the future, while laying a solid foundation for extending vehicle lifespan and enhancing market circulation. Naturally, the new emission standard brings greater technological challenges, and ultimately, these costs will likely be borne by truck drivers.