The European Parliament has given the final green light to a new regulation that seeks to significantly reduce emissions from cars, vans, buses and trucks throughout the European Union. With a vote of 297 in favour, 190 against and 37 abstentions, MEPs approved the agreement reached with the Council on the Euro 7 regulation, focused on the type approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles.

This new legislation aims to ensure that vehicles meet stricter standards throughout their life cycle, ensuring their long-term sustainability. One of the key aspects of this measure is to maintain the emissions limits and homologation process established in the current Euro 6 regulations for cars and vans. However, for buses and trucks, more stringent limits will apply both in laboratories and in real driving conditions, thus maintaining the conditions established in Euro VI.

For the first time, the legislation will include limits on particulate matter emitted by brakes (PM10) from cars and vans, as well as minimum performance and battery life requirements for electric and hybrid vehicles.

In addition, a new environmental passport has been set up, which will provide consumers with detailed information on the eco-efficiency of vehicles at the time of registration. This will include data on pollution emission limits, CO2 emissions, fuel and electricity consumption, electric range and battery life. Drivers will also have access to up-to-date information on fuel consumption, battery health, pollutant emissions and other relevant data collected by vehicle monitoring systems.

Alexandr Vondra, rapporteur for the Environment Committee, stressed the importance of striking a balance between environmental objectives and manufacturers' interests. "We want to ensure the affordability of new combustion engine vehicles, while also helping the automotive industry prepare for the anticipated transformation of its sector. The EU will now also take into account emissions from brakes and tires, and will also ensure greater battery durability," he stated.

This agreement must be formally approved by the European Council before entering into force, but it represents a significant step towards reducing emissions and promoting cleaner and more sustainable vehicles throughout the European Union.