New and improved car emissions tests become mandatory on 1 September
New car models will have to pass more reliable emission tests before they can be driven on European roads.
As of 1 September 2017, new car models will have to pass new and more reliable emissions tests in real driving conditions ("Real Driving Emissions") as well as an improved laboratory test ("World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure") before they can be driven on European roads.
This is just one piece of a wider puzzle of measures taken by the Juncker Commission for a clean, sustainable and competitive car industry in the future.
The new emissions tests will ensure more reliable results and help to rebuild confidence in the performance of new cars.
More concretely, NOx and particulate emissions, which are a major cause of air pollution, will be measured more reliably in real driving conditions (Real Driving Emissions test). This test will complement a new, more realistic laboratory test procedure (World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure test) for all emissions including CO2 and fuel consumption as well as NOx and other air pollutants. Both tests will become mandatory from September 2017 for all new car models and will be phased in for all new cars between 2018-2019.
Other important steps in the Commission's work in the area include:
The Commission's proposal for a Regulation of January 2016 will, once adopted by The European Parliament and the Council ensure greater quality and independence of vehicle testing, more surveillance of cars already in circulation, and introduce EU oversight into the system.
On air quality standards, Member States have to comply with EU limit values for a number of pollutants, including NO2, and establish air quality plans for the zones or agglomerations where these limit values are exceeded.
The European Strategy for low-emission mobility aims at increasing the efficiency of the transport system; speeding up the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for transport, and moving towards zero-emission vehicles. This focuses on a range of low-emissions alternative energy options for passenger cars and buses, as well as an emphasis on electrification in rail transport and biofuels in aviation, lorries and coaches. The Commission also plans to adopt an Action Plan for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure to enhance the broadest use of alternative fuels in Europe by November 2017.
Related links
MEMO/17/2821: EU action to curb air pollution by cars