Stricter emissions rules for new cars and vans from next month

Stricter emissions rules for new cars and vans from next month Euro 7 will come into force for all new cars and vans in the UK on November 29 A new set of rules affecting all new cars and vans sold throughout the UK is due to take effect next month. The Euro 7 standard represents a new emissions requirement that is significantly more stringent than its predecessor (Euro 6). Euro 7 will be applicable to both internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles. According to KwikFit, the regulations are intended to cut harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter produced by petrol and diesel engines. Beyond exhaust emissions, the rules also factor in particulate pollution generated by tyres and brakes. Vehicle manufacturers will be required to fit advanced onboard monitoring systems to ensure vehicles stay within legal emission limits throughout their operational lifespan. The RAC points out that, at a local level, pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter are believed to contribute to the deaths of roughly seven million people globally through poor air quality. "At a global level, the European Environment Agency (EEA) claims transport is responsible for around 25% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport makes up 75% of that figure." New rules coming into force While earlier standards focused solely on reducing emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles, Euro 7 introduces proper restrictions on electric vehicles for the first time - as even EVs produce pollution through tyre particles and brake dust generated while driving. "These particles contribute to microplastic pollution and can be extremely harmful when breathed in. Euro 7 aims to ensure new vehicles emit the lowest possible amount of these." Cars and vans will need to keep emissions below the specified limits for 10 years or 124,000 miles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will face battery testing to evaluate how they degrade over time. At the very least, batteries must maintain 80% of their original capacity after five years, and 72% over eight years or 100,000 miles. When is Euro 7 being introduced? Euro 7 will come into force on November 29, 2026. The regulations were originally expected to kick in during mid-2025, but have since been delayed. The initial roll-out applies exclusively to new cars and vans. From November 29, 2027, all cars and vans available for purchase – including those that went on sale prior to Euro 7 coming into force – will be required to meet the emissions standards or face being banned from sale to customers. Other vehicle categories, such as buses, trucks and trailers, will be subject to separate deadlines further down the line, according to the RAC.