The Euro 7 standard, effective from July 1, 2025, in the European Union, marks a significant step in reducing harmful vehicle emissions, including particulate emissions from brakes and tires. The new standard imposes stricter requirements on petrol and diesel engines, as well as electric vehicles, which will undergo particle emission tests. Automakers will need to invest heavily in new technologies, leading to a 5-15% increase in new car prices. This is expected to boost interest in electric vehicles and impact the used car market. The goal is to improve air quality in urban areas, but the process will be slow due to the average age of vehicle fleets in some countries like Bulgaria. The introduction of the standard poses challenges for manufacturers, governments, and consumers but also offers an opportunity for modernization and sustainable mobility.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the environmental benefits of the Euro 7 standard, highlighting its role in significantly reducing harmful emissions and improving urban air quality. They focus on the necessity of such regulations to combat climate change and promote sustainable mobility. The increased costs for consumers are acknowledged but framed as a necessary investment in the planet’s future. They also stress the importance of government incentives to support the transition to electric vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Center: Centrist sources provide a balanced view, outlining both the environmental goals and the economic impacts of the Euro 7 standard. They report on the expected increase in vehicle prices and the challenges manufacturers face in meeting the new requirements. The analysis includes the potential market shifts towards electric vehicles and the indirect effects on the used car market. They emphasize the need for coordinated efforts among manufacturers, governments, and consumers to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining affordability and accessibility.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the economic and consumer cost implications of the Euro 7 standard. They highlight the increased prices of new petrol and diesel vehicles and the potential burden on households, especially in countries with lower average incomes. Skepticism about the feasibility and timing of the regulations is expressed, with concerns about overregulation and its impact on the automotive industry. The narrative often includes calls for more measured approaches and stresses the importance of market-driven solutions rather than strict regulatory impositions.