Understanding Euro 6, Euro 7, and the Road to Electrification in Europe
The Euro 6 emissions standard currently limits the pollutants that vehicles can release into the air. Even as the rule governs today, the European Union is already planning the next step. In October 2022, the EU Commission anticipated publishing a proposal for Euro 7, signaling a new cap on emissions. An intermediate phase, Euro 6e, will arrive first because Euro 7 is not expected to take full effect until 2027.
Under the anticipated Euro 7 framework, emissions from fossil-fuel engines are expected to be capped at around 30 mg of NOX per vehicle and CO2 emissions ranging from about 100 to 300 g per kilometer, depending on vehicle class and test procedures. There has even been discussion of a far stricter figure—perhaps as low as 10 mg NOX in certain scenarios—but such an extreme step has not yet been adopted. For many manufacturers, reaching Euro 7 appears challenging, with concerns about the substantial costs and the potential impact on vehicle prices for consumers in both Europe and export markets like North America.
Euro 7 could mark the last major tightening of emissions rules for combustion engines. Starting in 2035, the policy landscape envisions no new registrations for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that produce greenhouse gases beyond set limits, effectively pushing the market toward zero-emission options.
These developments clearly point toward a future dominated by electrification. Hybrid powertrains are likely to become more common as a transitional technology, while diesel engines face increasing pressure in the European market due to stricter emissions standards and tight fuel economy targets. It is useful to recall that a decade ago, lower CO2 targets actually encouraged the purchase of diesel vehicles. The current trajectory, however, suggests a reversal, with demand shifting toward electrified options and cleaner powertrains.
For enthusiasts of traditional internal combustion engines, the outlook is more constrained. The used-car market may remain relevant for a time, but drivers should expect tightening traffic regulations and evolving emissions criteria that make long-term reliance on older diesel and gasoline technologies more expensive and less practical in daily life. Consumers across Canada and the United States may observe similar shifts as regional regulators increasingly align with global standards on tailpipe pollutants and greenhouse gas footprints. This convergence will likely influence vehicle choices, resale value, and fleet strategy for fleets and individual buyers alike.
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