A historic change in emissions regulation
The European Union has given the green light to Euro 7 Regulation, which for the first time sets emission limits not only for exhaust gases, but also for sources that until now were outside the regulatory framework: the wear on brakes, tires, and roads.
According to a recent European study presented at the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, the non-exhaust emissions (NEE) They already surpass exhaust gases as the main source of polluting particles on the road. In urban environments such as London, Milan or Barcelona, between 68% and 88% of PM10 derived from transport come from the wear of brakes and tires, and up to a 78% of PM2,5.
This supposes a regulatory paradigm shift, as Euro 7 will force manufacturers, operators, and transporters to rethink the design, maintenance, and management of their fleets.
What's changing for trucks and heavy vehicles?
1. Stricter limits on exhaust gases
- Additional reduction of NOₓ, CO, NMOG and CH₄.
- Inclusion of new pollutants such as nitrous oxide (N₂O), with a great climatic impact.
- More stringent Real-World Emissions (RDE) testing and mandatory On-Board Monitoring (OBM).
2. Non-exhaustive emissions regulation (NEE)
- Specific limits for brake particles (PM10), applicable from 2026.
- Tire durability and traceability requirements, which will be introduced progressively from 2028.
- Applicable to both passenger cars and heavy vehicles (Euro VII for trucks and buses).
- promotion of low-abrasion brake pads and tires, along with the possible use of telematics sensors to monitor wear in real time.
3. More demanding service life requirements
- Trucks will have to comply with emissions limits for more kilometers and years of service than the Euro VI regulations.
- The durability of aftertreatment systems, sensors and catalysts is reinforced.
4. Implementation schedule
- 48 months for new types of trucks, buses and trailers.
- 60 months for existing models in production.
Economic impact on heavy transport
According to industry estimates, the entry into force of Euro 7 could make trucks more expensive by around 12.000 euros per unit due to the need to incorporate more advanced control systems, certified brakes and tires, and monitoring technology.
For transport companies, this will pose a financial challenge, especially for SMEs. However, early adoption of adapted vehicles and components will reduce the risk of fines and facilitate access to low emission zones (LEZ) in European cities.
Challenges and opportunities for the sector
Challenges
- Higher acquisition and approval costs of trucks.
- More complex maintenance, with requirements for constant emissions monitoring.
- Possible impact on transport prices and in the competitiveness of small fleets.
Opportunities
- Next-generation components: Increasing demand for low-wear brakes and tires, longer-lasting catalytic converters, and telematics control systems.
- Competitive advantage for clean fleets in public and private contracts that value environmental criteria.
- Social and environmental benefits: A simulation in London estimated that the widespread use of optimized brakes and tires could generate benefits of 235 million euros until 2050.
The legislation Euro 7 It is not just a technical update: it represents a Structural change in the way we understand emissions from heavy transportThe focus is no longer solely on the exhaust pipe, but on all the components that generate particulate matter throughout the vehicle's lifespan.
For the commercial vehicle sector, this new regulatory framework implies immediate costs and challenges, but it also opens the door to Technological innovation, new business opportunities in spare parts and services, and improved competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market in terms of sustainability.
