Euro 7: The future of emission standards

The European emission standards introduced in 1992 are essentially pollution thresholds for new vehicles within the EU, European Economic Area member states, and UK with the aim to reduce the levels of harmful exhaust emissions in the atmosphere for cleaner air and a more sustainable environment.

What is Euro 7?

Euro 7 was announced in November 2022 and is scheduled to be enforced from July 1st, 2025, as the new standard of emissions regulations for road cars, applying to both light-duty (cars and vans) and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and buses) sold in the EU and UK. The Euro 7 standard brings emission limits for all motor vehicles under a single set of rules. The new rules are fuel- and technology-neutral, placing the same limits regardless of whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electric drive-trains or alternative fuels.

The expected results of Euro 7

When studies revealed that air pollution was the cause of 70,000 premature deaths in Europe, yearly, the world took notice. Euro 7 brings stricter rules and is projected to have greater impact than the previous standards, despite concerns it would make ICE vehicles unaffordable:

• 35–56% lower vehicle NOx emissions.
• 13% reduction in tailpipe particles of light-duty vehicles.
• 39% reduction in tailpipe particles of heavy-duty vehicles.
• 27% particle reduction from brakes and tyres.
• Increased battery durability for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery EVs.

Impact of Euro 7 on the industry

Euro 7 will affect vehicle pricing, that’s a given. Recent research suggests a per vehicle cost of around £1,740 for ICE vehicles, and approximately £10,450 for diesel trucks and buses, that would mean the cost of implementing Euro 7 proposals for ICE vehicles will be 4 – 10x higher than the European Commission’s initial estimates.

Another factor to keep in mind is the expected increase in fleet CO2 emissions as, for the first time, particulate emissions from brakes and tyres will be accounted for as non-tailpipe emissions. Meanwhile, the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), measuring new vehicle fuel economy, fuel emissions, and EV driving ranges, will become more rigorous. This, paired with diminishing of new ICE vehicles availability and cost-efficiency, could accelerate businesses transitioning to a complete battery EV fleet early as commonplace.

Fleet managers are faced with that task of transitioning from ICE vehicles to a fully electric fleet before Euro 7 comes into effect in 2025. With such a short turnaround, many may find it difficult to navigate turnover our Drive to Zero programme - complete with an EV suitability analysis for your business - removes that burden.

Scrappage schemes

The first scrappage scheme was launched in 2009 to help vehicle-owners replace their polluting vehicles with ULEZ/CAZ compliant vehicles.

Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are well-known terms these days, introduced as part of the government’s initiative to combat air pollution and transform the UK into a global leader in sustainability. Vehicles that travel through these zones and don’t meet the minimum emission standards are financially penalised.
In January 2023, the Mayor of London revealed plans for London's biggest-ever scrappage scheme - £110m – in preparation of the ULEZ expansion across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023.

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Northgate fleet disposals for business

Northgate takes the confusion away from your business fleet disposal needs with tailored solutions to get maximum value for your owned fleet and unlock the tied-up capital in your owned vehicles to re-inject back into your business, hassle-free.

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The complete benefits of business van hires

Hiring a business van means shorter lead times and less commitment, with hire vans available as you require them and the flexibility to hand back the keys when you don’t. There’s also a cash-flow benefit with the costs spread out over the rental period of the van, allowing you to re-invest in other areas of your business.

Our Flexible Hire options (minimum 3-months) can help your EV transition and are a low-risk option to gain real-world experience and data of the practical benefits and cost savings of running an electric fleet.