The EU is introducing a new Euro 7 environmental standard, which for the first time sets requirements for the durability of electric car batteries and controls new sources of pollution. Find out when the rules will come into effect and what they will mean for drivers and car manufacturers

The European Union is preparing major changes for the automotive industry. The new Euro 7 environmental standard applies not only to cars with internal combustion engines for the first time, but also to electric cars and plug-in hybrids.

The main goal of the new rules is not only to reduce harmful emissions, but also to control the real environmental impact of transport throughout its entire service life. Particular attention is paid to the durability of batteries, control of new sources of pollution and transparency of information for buyers.

We tell you what exactly will change after the introduction of the standard and when the new requirements will come into force.

Traveling around Europe by car? Take care of the electronic vignette in advance.

The electronic road vignette is a digital confirmation of payment for using toll roads in many European countries. It replaces traditional stickers on the windshield, and all data about the car is stored in the official system and checked automatically by the vehicle number.

Registration takes just a few minutes online and allows you to avoid fines, queues at the border and unnecessary stops during your trip. Apply for an electronic vignette in advance and travel on European roads without unnecessary worries.

When will the new rules come into effect?

The standard will be implemented in stages so that manufacturers have time to adapt their cars to the new requirements.

The main dates are as follows:

- November 29, 2026 - the rules will come into effect for new models of electric cars and plug-in hybrids (category M1) that are just entering the market and undergoing the certification procedure.

- November 29, 2027 - the standard will become mandatory for all new cars sold in car dealerships in EU countries.

- May 29, 2028 - new requirements will be introduced for new models of electric trucks and buses.

- May 29, 2029 - the rules will apply to all new vehicles in these categories.

This schedule allows manufacturers to gradually update technologies and adapt production.

Requirements for electric vehicle batteries

One of the key innovations of the standard is that for the first time, minimum battery durability indicators have been set at the legislative level.

For passenger electric vehicles

- At least 80% of the initial capacity after 5 years or 100 thousand km of mileage;

- At least 72% after 8 years or 160 thousand km.

For light commercial vans

- 75% of the capacity after 5 years or 100 thousand km;

- 67% after 8 years or 160 thousand km.

Such indicators should guarantee a longer battery life and increase confidence in electric vehicles. At the same time, experts note that most modern models already meet these requirements.

Battery health monitoring systems

Another important innovation is the mandatory installation of battery health monitoring systems.

New cars must be equipped with an on-board SOH (State of Health) system that monitors battery degradation in real time, which will allow:

- Car owners to monitor the condition of the battery;

- Service centers to more accurately assess its resource;

- Regulators to check compliance with environmental standards.

In addition, each car will receive an Environmental Vehicle Passport — a document that will record the key characteristics of the vehicle, including information about the battery.

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Controlling new sources of pollution

The Euro 7 standard does not only take into account exhaust gases. For the first time, limits are set on particles formed:

- During the wear of brake pads;

- Due to the wear of car tires.

Such microparticles can enter the air even in the case of electric cars, so the new rules apply to all types of transport.

More control throughout the life of the car

The new standard provides for stricter checks of vehicles.

Cars will be tested in more real-world conditions, and compliance with environmental standards will be monitored throughout their entire service life.

This should prevent situations where a car meets the standards only during laboratory tests.

What will change for the electric vehicle market?

The new rules could significantly affect the electric vehicle market in Europe, among the main changes:

- Improving the quality and durability of batteries;

- More transparent information about the condition of the battery;

- Increasing confidence in the used electric vehicle market;

- More accurate assessment of the environmental impact of transport.

Thanks to monitoring systems, buyers of used cars will be able to objectively assess the condition of the battery, which will make the electric car market more transparent and predictable.

The new Euro 7 standard changes the approach to environmental regulation of transport. If previously the main attention was paid only to exhaust gases, now all factors that affect the environment will be controlled - from the durability of batteries to microparticles from tires and brakes.

It is expected that these changes will help make electric cars more reliable, and the European car market - more transparent and environmentally friendly.

Planning a road trip in Europe? Don't forget about the electronic vignette.

In many European countries, motorways are tolled, and the electronic vignette serves as confirmation of payment. This is a modern digital document that is tied to the car's license plate and is automatically checked by road services.

Having an e-vignette allows you to avoid fines, unnecessary police stops and problems during your trip. This is especially important for drivers who plan to travel through several EU countries by car.

You can apply for an e-vignette online in a few minutes - it's an easy way to prepare for your trip and use European roads without any problems.

Reminder! Renting a car is an important part of comfortable travel in Europe. We have already covered how to rent a car in Europe safely and without stress: information on insurance, deposits, credit cards, car pick-up and return, as well as important tips for comfortable driving.

Photo - Freepik.com

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