New emissions rules for all new cars and vans sold in the UK will take effect next month. The Euro 7 standard is significantly more stringent than its predecessor, Euro 6, and applies to both internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles.
According to KwikFit, the regulations aim to cut harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter produced by petrol and diesel engines. The rules also cover particulate pollution from tyres and brakes, not just exhaust emissions.
Monitoring and health impact
Vehicle manufacturers will need to fit advanced onboard monitoring systems to ensure vehicles stay within legal emission limits throughout their operational lifespan. The RAC notes that pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter are believed to contribute to the deaths of roughly seven million people globally through poor air quality.
At a global level, the European Environment Agency (EEA) claims transport is responsible for around 25% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport making up 75% of that figure.
Electric vehicles included for the first time
While earlier standards focused solely on reducing emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles, Euro 7 introduces restrictions on electric vehicles for the first time. EVs produce pollution through tyre particles and brake dust while driving. These particles contribute to microplastic pollution and can be extremely harmful when breathed in, so Euro 7 aims to ensure new vehicles emit the lowest possible amount of these.
Cars and vans will need to keep emissions below specified limits for 10 years or 124,000 miles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will face battery testing to evaluate degradation over time. Batteries must maintain at least 80% of their original capacity after five years, and 72% over eight years or 100,000 miles.
Introduction timeline
Euro 7 will come into force on November 29, 2026. The regulations were originally expected to kick in during mid-2025 but have since been delayed. The initial roll-out applies exclusively to new cars and vans.
From November 29, 2027, all cars and vans available for purchase – including those that went on sale before Euro 7 came into force – will need to meet the emissions standards or face being banned from sale to customers. Other vehicle categories, such as buses, trucks and trailers, will be subject to separate deadlines further down the line, according to the RAC.
