The news continues to be positive for those who wish to see lower air pollution and better air quality. On June 18th, 2019, the European Union (EU) and Germany have reached a deal that bolsters the bloc’s efforts to limit motor vehicle emissions from both new and existing combustion engines.
Under the agreement, all new cars sold in the EU that have gasoline or diesel engines must meet the EU car emissions standard known as “Euro 6d.” This means that, starting in 2021, all new cars must have the capability to reduce their exhaust emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) by nearly 50 percent compared to current standards. The new rules will apply to cars, SUVs, and other light commercial vehicles, but not motorcycles or buses.
This agreement, while voluntary in nature, sends an important message. All producers of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles must now accelerate their efforts and invest heavily in meeting the emission limits that the EU has established.
What is Euro 6d?
Euro 6d is the sixth-generation emissions standard created by the EU to regulate emissions from all new cars sold there. It is the last increment required to meet the bloc’s long-term goal of 95 percent clean diesel emissions by the end of 2021.
The Euro 6d standard stipulates that all new cars must meet tough emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane organic gases (NMOG) compared to the current limits, which have been in place since 2015. It also requires vehicles to have a post-treatment system installed to further reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides.
Euro 6d is stricter than the earlier Euro 6 standard. Under the new Euro 6d rules, NOx emissions must be reduced by 46 percent and CO emissions must be reduced by 43 percent over the existing Euro 6 limits.
What’s Behind the Move to Strengthen the EU’s Combustion-Engine Plan?
The deal to strengthen the EU’s combustion-engine plan is part of the bloc’s overall goal of reducing air pollution, including smog and other harmful pollutants. As such, the agreement on Euro 6d comes at a time when governments around the world are increasingly looking for ways to reduce air pollution and its corresponding health risks.
The agreement also follows a move by the EU to require that all new cars and light commercial vehicles sold in Europe must be zero-emission from 2030 and almost entirely electric by 2050.
The move to enforce the Euro 6d emissions standard is significant as it helps to ensure that gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles won’t be creating excessive emissions while the process of transitioning to an electrified fleets of the future is completed.
The Benefits of Euro 6d
Many experts agree that the new agreement on Euro 6d will have significant positive effects on the environment. Here are just a few of the benefits this new emissions standard is expected to bring:
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Improved Air Quality: The agreement will result in a dramatic reduction in pollution from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, which should lead to improved air quality.
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Reduced Health Risks: According to a WHO study, air pollutants can aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and increase the risk of premature death. So, less pollution from motor vehicles means a reduction in the threat of such risks.
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More Sustainable Transport Options: The more stringent emissions standards paired with the increasing shift to electric vehicles should lead to increased investment in cleaner transport options, making them more viable and sustainable.
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Fewer Emissions-Related Lawsuits: Local authorities have taken legal action against automakers for failing to adhere to emissions standards, which often leads to expensive settlements. So, the tougher rules should help to eliminate such cases in the future.
The agreement struck between the EU and Germany on tightening emissions standards for combustion engines is an important step in the right direction. The new Euro 6d standards should lead to a significant reduction in emissions from such vehicles and increased investment in cleaner transport options in the long run.
Ultimately, this agreement is expected to have significant positive effects on the environment, including improved air quality and reduced health risks. So, as many governments around the world continue to strive for cleaner air and better air quality, the EU’s agreement with Germany on Euro 6d should serve as an example that can be followed.
