A large group of European countries (Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia) are evaluating forming a common front to force the final version of the emissions regulations Euro 7 be more lax than originally anticipated.
Although the European Union affirms that the health benefits will far outweigh the costs, these countries oppose its approval due to the high financial outlay that it will entail for manufacturers at a time when most investments are focusing on electrification.
“Our objective is […] make the conditions realistic, make them achievable”explains the Czech Minister of Transport, martin kupkawho wanted to point out that the period for adopting Euro 7 will be too short (the current proposal contemplates an entry into force by mid-2025).
Kupka proposes a four year windowas well as some technical changes to give an oxygen balloon to the industry. “If we really want to bring Europe to greater carbon neutrality, I think we need to implement technologically realistic measures.”
Euro 7 has been heavily criticized by the industry
The representatives of these countries, who met in Strasbourg, also agreed on an alliance to put pressure on the European Comission with the aim of drawing up a binding proposal on the exemption of synthetic fuels from the ban on the sale of cars with internal combustion engines in the common market from 2035.
The ACEA (European Association of Automobile Manufacturers) He also warned a few weeks ago that the provisional calendar is unrealistic. «Euro 7 represents an important reinforcement with respect to the updated criteria […] in 2020 with the Euro 6d standard. It is not a simple extension of the Euro 6 standard launched in 2014.”
Groups like Stellantis have pointed out in recent months that Euro 7 could benefit Chinese brands, which are entering the European market with 100% electric models. Carlos TavaresCEO of the company, believes that the new standard will force manufacturers from the old continent to divert part of their investments from electric mobility.
«I don’t think Europe needs [la normativa] Euro 7. It’s going to divert some of our R&D power to something we don’t need, while our Chinese competitors enter the market solely with battery electric cars. Why are we using our resources for a technology we want to ban? It’s not common sense.”
Source | Automotive News Europe
