Think electric cars are completely clean? Think again. A new set of European rules, called Euro 7, is coming to make things tougher for all vehicles. And yes, that includes the ones running on batteries. These standards will tighten emission controls, even for electric cars people thought were emission-free.
Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have exhaust pipes, so they don’t pump out fumes. But they still produce tiny polluting particles. These particles come from the brakes and tires as they wear down over time. Battery-powered cars are often heavier because of their large battery packs. This extra weight actually speeds up how fast these parts wear out, leading to more particles.
The new rules come from Regulation (EU) 2024/1257, which started in May 2024. Mark your calendars: Starting November 29, 2026, every new car model that gets approved must meet Euro 7 standards. A year later, in November 2027, these rules will apply to all new vehicles sold.
New Limits for Electric Vehicles
One big change involves limiting brake particle emissions. For electric vehicles, the maximum will be 3 milligrams per kilometer (PM10 particles). Cars running on gasoline, diesel, or hybrid power will have a higher limit of 7 milligrams per kilometer. This difference shows that even though EVs don’t use exhaust, their mechanical parts still create pollution.
Beyond particles, Euro 7 also sets new battery durability rules. Electric vehicle batteries must keep at least 80% of their original capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers. After eight years or 160,000 kilometers, they must still hold 67% of their initial charge.
These strict new rules mean carmakers will have to redesign materials, braking systems, and production methods. This will certainly make vehicles more expensive. While the goal is to cut down on overall pollution and make cars last longer, Euro 7 is stirring up some trouble. Many experts worry that these new standards could actually slow down our move to cleaner energy. They argue it makes the very cars that should lead sustainable travel much pricier.