Car manufacturer Volkswagen expresses concerns about the storming Euro 7 emissions standard. It is asking the European Commission to introduce the emissions standard later than planned. If the EU sticks to the current schedule of introducing the Euro 7 standards in mid-2025, it could lead to months of production stoppages for several models, the company warns.
Automotive News reports that the German carmaker is sounding the alarm with the EU over the Euro 7 standard. This standard in particular brings stricter requirements around nitrogen emissions for internal combustion engines. For instance, the maximum nitrogen emissions regardless of fuel are set at 60 mg per kilometre. Vehicles must continue to meet Euro 7 standard for 10 years and 200,000 kilometres. That is currently five years and 100,000 kilometres.
35% reduction in nitrogen emissions by 2035
The arrival of stricter emissions standard is an important step towards achieving the climate target of reducing nitrogen emissions by 35% by 2035, according to the EU. Among other things, the standard in practice reduces the maximum emissions for diesel vehicles from 80 mg per km as laid down in the Euro 6d standard to 60 mg per km. This limit has also applied to petrol cars for some time. The amount of particulate matter that may be emitted remains the same, but this now also includes particulate matter generated by brakes and tyres. Specifically, this concerns tyre wear and dust from brake discs.
The permissible amount of CO emitted for petrol cars is also undergoing an overhaul. The Euro 7 standard halves the maximum CO emissions from 1,000 to 500 mg per km. For diesel cars, the limit remains at 500 mg per km. The Euro 7 standard also sets limits on ammonia emissions; these may not exceed 20 mg per km. Total carbon water emissions (THC) are set at 100 mg per km. For NMHC (Non-Methane HydroCarbons / non-methane hydrocarbons), the limit is set at 68 mg per km for both petrol and diesel cars.
'Standard could lead to months of production stoppages'
Volkswagen foresees major problems with emissions standards. The company says that adapting its engines to meet the new standards is a journey that will take several years. It therefore expects to be unable to meet the Euro 7 standard by mid-2025 - for when its introduction is scheduled. Volkswagen warns that the introduction could lead to months of production stops for several models. Which models these are the German manufacturer is leaving open.
The company is therefore asking the EU to delay the introduction of the Euro 7 standard until autumn 2026. This would give car manufacturers sufficient time to make the necessary modifications to their internal combustion engines.
'Transition period is simply not long enough'
Volkswagen is not alone in this, however; several other car manufacturers have previously voiced their concerns about the new standard. For example, Markus Duesmann, CEO of Audi, also called for a delay to the Euro 7 standard in March. Duesmann argues that car manufacturers are being given too little time to prepare for the new standard. In an interview with Automotive News, the Audi chief described the current timeframe as ‘simply not long enough’.
Among other things, the certification of each version of internal combustion engines would take a long time. However, the top executive also points to the development and testing of new filters and catalytic converters, which Duesmann says is not feasible before the set deadline.
Skoda fears plant closure
Skoda, which, like Audi and Volkswagen, is part of the Volkswagen Group, is also critical. The company warns that it may be forced to halt production of all its compact models due to the introduction of the Euro 7 standard. Specifically, this concerns the Skoda Fabia, Scala and Kamiq. Martin Jahn, Head of Marketing and Sales at Skoda, argues that it would simply not be cost-effective to bring these models into line with the new regulations.
Skoda warns that the introduction of the standard in practice could therefore result in the carmaker having to close a plant. This would put some 3,000 jobs at risk.
Mercedes calls introduction date unrealistic
Criticism is also being voiced outside the Volkswagen Group. Ergun Lümali, head of the Mercedes-Benz works council, warned in February that the introduction of the Euro 7 emissions standard could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs. Lümali emphasises that Mercedes-Benz is not opposed to the standard but believes it is being introduced far too quickly, reports the German press agency DPA. The executive describes the implementation date as ‘unrealistic’ and not in line with the transformation of factories.
Like Skoda, Lümali points to the cost of making current internal combustion engines suitable for the Euro 7 standard. According to Lümali, the investment this requires does not pay off, forcing Mercedes-Benz to say goodbye to the internal combustion engine sooner. However, because the company is not yet ready for a complete switch to an electric drive, thousands of jobs are at risk as a result, he said. Lümali therefore also called for a critical review of the proposed implementation date.
ACEA: 'Investment outweighs benefits'
Mercedes-Benz’s argument echoes criticism previously voiced by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Luca de Meo, president of the trade association, warned earlier this year about the impact of the standard on the European car industry. In an open letter addressed to the European Parliament and the European Commission , ACEA warned of the high investment costs involved in complying with the Euro 7 standard. According to the trade association, these costs do not outweigh the environmental benefits offered by Euro 7, which ACEA describes as ‘minimal’.
De Meo advocates a unified policy that moves the industry forward. For instance, the current Euro 7 standard would in practice regulate old technology, while the EU should encourage a transition to an "emission-free car industry", according to ACEA. The investments that complying with the Euro 7 standard requires could be better spent on the further development of emission-free forms of transport, according to De Meo.
The ACEA chief also warned of impact on the competitiveness of the European car industry. Tighter emissions standards could cause the EU to fall behind China, among others, the industry association fears.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Free-Photos via Pixabay
