Euro 7 has just been approved and, as expected, it will continue to toughen the sales policy for diesel or gasoline cars.
Pollution restrictions are getting stronger and, therefore, electrification is gaining weight over the years. It is noted that one of the advantages of the electric car is the zero emission of polluting particles during travel. In relation to regulations, the dreaded Euro 7 has just been approved, a measure that aims to establish serious limitations on the use of fossil fuels in the field of mobility. This new strategic plan aims, once again, a reduction in polluting emissions.
Despite the fact that it has just been approved, it will not enter into force until on July 1, 2025, at which time it is expected that hybrid and electric mechanics have gained greater weight compared to traditional internal combustion options. If we take a look at the horizon, we can see how a decade later, already in 2035, the production and commercialization of vehicles with internal combustion engines will be prohibited in Europe. Euro 7 intends, therefore, to expedite the fulfillment of a mission that would leave behind decades and decades of betting on conventional blocks.
So let’s see what are the most important keys that the Euro 7 regulation brings with it, why it is a legislation that can accelerate the transition towards mechanics based on batteries and, of course, to what extent we are facing a proposal that will serve to mark the path of what will happen in the industry throughout the second lustrum of the decade. Is it perhaps too late to even consider buying a hybrid car like the next-generation Toyota Prius?
The keys to understanding what the new Euro 7 regulations consist of
The new regulations on pollution focused on mobility have as their main objective the reduction of pollution from diesel mechanics. In fact, the first measure determines that these vehicles will have to meet the same NOx emission limits as gasoline cars, a 25% reduction compared to what is currently established. According to the information provided by the European Commission, manufacturers are expected to make a continuous effort to overcome the new challenges imposed by the environment that surrounds us.
Despite the fact that, finally, the required standards have been moderated, the main difference with respect to the Euro 6 regulations consists in this same treatment that the diesel and gasoline options will have. This leads us to a quick reflection. Taking into account that, on average, a diesel car emits less CO2 than a gasoline one, if the main weakness of diesel, NOx, is equipped, could it be said that one with diesel mechanics is more efficient? This is what it looks like.
Even so, not everything seems so simple. The maintenance of a diesel car will be less economical, since manufacturers will have to invest in additional parts to reduce emissions and equate them with those of any gasoline model. In the same way, it is expected that other variables to be taken into account will be introduced, such as the contamination generated by the bearing itself or by the braking action.
In this sense, the electric car also wins, since, on many occasions, it is not necessary to use the brake pedal due to the existence of energy regeneration systems. In relation to this measure, a maximum of 3.5 tons of emissions will be established, which translates into about 7 mg/km on average until 2035. However, this could be subject to review taking into account the improvements that are expected to occur in this particular market niche.