The Euro 7 emissions standard will come into force for all new cars and vans sold in the UK from November 29, 2026. The regulation is considerably stricter than its predecessor, Euro 6, and applies to both internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles.
According to KwikFit, the rules are designed to reduce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter produced by petrol and diesel engines. In addition to exhaust emissions, the regulations also take into account particulate pollution generated by tyres and brakes.
Monitoring and battery requirements
Vehicle manufacturers will be obliged to install advanced onboard monitoring systems to ensure vehicles remain within legal emission limits throughout their working lives. The RAC notes that, at a local level, pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter are said to contribute to the deaths of approximately seven million people worldwide through poor air quality.
While previous standards have concentrated on cutting emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles, Euro 7 introduces proper limits on electric vehicles for the first time - because even EVs generate pollution through tyre particles and brake dust produced during driving. These particles contribute to microplastic pollution and can be extremely harmful when breathed in. Euro 7 aims to ensure new vehicles emit the lowest possible amount of these.
Rollout timeline
Cars and vans will be required to keep emissions beneath the set limits for 10 years or 124,000 miles. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will undergo battery testing to assess how they deteriorate over time. At a minimum, batteries must retain 80% of their original capacity after five years, and 72% over eight years or 100,000 miles.
Euro 7 was originally anticipated to begin in mid-2025, but has since been pushed back. The initial roll-out applies exclusively to new cars and vans. From November 29, 2027, all cars and vans available for sale – including those that went on sale prior to Euro 7 coming into force – will be required to meet the emissions standards or face a ban on being sold to customers. Other categories of vehicle, such as buses, trucks and trailers, will be subject to separate deadlines further in the future, according to the RAC.
