India is preparing for the forthcoming BS7 phase, drawing inspiration from Euro 7 standards. Euro 7 aims to curtail pollutant emissions from the next generation of ICE vehicles in the EU. However, recent developments in Europe have impacted the upcoming standards.
In November 2022, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for Euro 7, which aimed to revise the existing Euro 6 and Euro VI standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Despite initial expectations for more stringent limits, particularly for light-duty vehicles, the proposal faced opposition from the automotive industry and certain EU Member States. As a result, the proposed emission limits and testing procedures were revised to be less stringent, aligning more closely with the current Euro 6 standards.
The softened Euro 7 standards reflect concerns from car manufacturers and some European countries about the feasibility and cost of implementing stricter emissions rules. The revised standards will introduce new limits to curb particle emissions from brakes and tyres, along with performance requirements for battery durability in electric and hybrid vehicles. The Environmental Vehicle Passport will provide detailed environmental impact information at the point of registration, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases.
Although the revised Euro 7 standards are yet to receive final approval from EU countries, they are expected to be enforced for cars and vans from July 2030. Buses and trucks will follow suit in July 2031. The EU aims to balance environmental goals with manufacturers’ interests, ensuring the affordability of new vehicles while preparing the automotive industry for future transformations.
