Brussels, 15/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Friday the European Commission launched a public consultation exercise on reducing the emissions of new cars and light duty vehicles, the aim of a draft package of legislation the European Commission intends to unveil by the end of 2005, known as “Euro 5”, involving the introduction of particulate filters for diesel cars and tighter emissions limits for petrol cars. The Commission hopes its proposal will make a significant contribution to improving air quality in Europe.
According to the draft Euro 5: 1) there would be an 80% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel cars to 5mg/km, relative to the limit of 25 mg/km, which has become mandatory for new type approved vehicles from January 2005 under the “Euro 4” emissions standards and 2) a 20% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from diesel cars (200 mg/km under Euro 5, compared with 250 mg/km under Euro 4). For petrol cars, the Commission proposes to cut NOx emissions and hydrocarbons by 25%, with upper emissions limits for hydrocarbons under Euro 5 set at 75 mg/km (compared with 100 mg/km under Euro 4). NOx emission limits will be reduced to 60 mg/km under Euro 5 (compared with 80 mg/km under Euro 4).
The Commission's draft introduces a particulate emission limit for petrol cars using lean-burn direct injection technology. It will extend the durability period over which manufacturers must confirm the operation of emission control devices such as catalytic converters and particulate traps. Passenger vehicles of over 2500 kg (like 4-wheel drives) will no longer be able to use the less ambitious emission standards for light commercial vehicles but will be considered private cars. There will be an implementation deadline of 18 months after the entry into force of the new regulation for new type approvals.
The new Euro 5 limits could enter into force by mid 2008 at the earliest. The
Commission points out that its final proposal may be amended to reflect the feedback
received in the consultation exercise. The draft proposal can be found at: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/automotive/pagesbackground/pollutant_emission/stakeholder_consultation/call_for_consultation.htm
Interested parties are invited to email their comments over the next eight weeks to the following address: entr-euro5@cec.eu.int