All new motorized vehicles sold and operating in the member countries of the European Union are subject to various anti-pollution standards. These refer to vehicle components and components. Euro anti-pollution standards regulate the release of polluting gases depending on the type, age and motorization of the vehicle. The details.
Les Euro anti-pollution standards are among the most famous European standards. Created in the 1970s, they have only been called Euro standards since the 1990s (more exactly in 1992). These rules are constantly evolving to adapt to new environmental constraints. Thus, from the Euro 1 standard to the Euro 6 D Full standard (currently in force), the authorized emission ceilings for polluting gases are becoming more and more severe. By 2026, the Euro 7 standard will replace the 6 D Full standard and aim to eliminate all thermal engines in favor of engines operating on renewable energies. Antipollution standards define the standards for measuring pollutants that motorized vehicles can emit according to the year in which they are put into circulation. In other words, they set the maximum limits for the emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere. They vary according to:
The main objective of anti-pollution standards is to reduce the release of polluting gases by motorized vehicles. These pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and fine particles in mass and in number (PM-PN). These are harmful gases that represent a danger to human health (asthma and chronic bronchitis in the short term, cancers and heart problems in the long term). With these various Euro standards, the European Union intends to:
By 2030, the European Union hopes to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30 to 35%.
The implementation of Euro standards has forced manufacturers to favor virtuous engines, such as gasoline, hybrid and electric. Some, like Renault, have generalized the use of particulate filters in addition to the catalytic converter on diesel vehicles to reduce particulate emissions.
In addition, since January 15, 2017, the “Crit'air” or “air quality certification” system identifies the least polluting vehicles authorized to drive in restricted traffic areas (ZCR) in certain large cities. To do this, “Crit'air” stickers are attached to the vehicle. They divide vehicles into six categories (from 0 to 5) according to their age and engine type. :
Thus, vehicles with a high category sticker cannot drive in the event of episodes of pollution peaks. However, this ban does not apply to vehicles with a parking card for disabled people.
Also discover our guide on Crit'Air stickers in this article.
That is not all. Since May 20, 2018, the checkpoints and the number of faults that can be detected during the technical inspection have increased. In addition, since July 1, 2019, diesel vehicles must pass anti-pollution tests more stringent. For this purpose, a check of the opacity of the smoke is carried out in order to detect overemissions of fine particles. This check, in accordance with the NF R10-025:2016 standard, aims to eliminate vehicles that do not comply with Euro standards. To avoid this, drivers can perform a eco-maintenance of their vehicles or engine descaling.
As said above, Euro anti-pollution standards concern all motorized vehicles produced and marketed on European soil. In other words:
Gasoline-powered commercial vehicles have been subject to the Euro 6 D standard since 2017 as part of the WLTC cycle and the RDE coefficient. It aims to reduce the number of particles emitted per kilometer by means of various devices:
The Euro 6 D standard has been applied to new vehicles since September 1, 2017 as part of the WLTC cycle and the RDE coefficient. It aims to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by three thanks to an exhaust gas after-treatment system. Since 2017, all internal combustion engines must meet the same particulate emissions requirements.
Since 2017, laboratory test on a test bench (NDEC) has given way to the WLTP cycle (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures) or “globally harmonized test procedure for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles” in French. This cycle was implemented as part of the Euro 6 C standard. WLTP has been mandatory since September 2019 for commercial vehicles under 3.5 t. Established under real driving conditions, its values are more accurate. In addition, the tests take into account equipment and options that have an influence on fuel consumption as well as polluting gas emissions. In addition, for the most accurate result, the Real Driving Environment or RDE coefficient has been supplementing the WLTP since the beginning of 2020 for commercial vehicles. The test is carried out using an embedded measurement device (PEMS) attached to the rear of the car in accordance with Commission Regulation EU 2016/1718 of 20 September 2016.
The Euro standard is on the registration certificate of the vehicle. So, to know the standard to which your vehicle is subject, all you have to do is look at the vehicle registration document at heading V.9.In addition, you can also refer to the year the vehicle was put into service.
