This year's "passport" for cars, what does that mean?

Starting this autumn, vehicle manufacturers in the European Union will have to introduce a new feature known as the “eco certificate” for all new personal cars and light commercial vehicles (M1/N1) homologated under the Euro 7 regulations. This requirement comes into effect from November 29th, with the mandatory implementation for newly homologated models beginning later this year. While the Euro 7 regulation was formally introduced in May 2024, its enforcement for all new vehicle types will begin in late November 2023. The eco certificate will provide buyers with detailed information about a vehicle’s emissions and efficiency. According to data from Germany's Automobile Club ADAC, each new car will come equipped with this certificate containing key figures such as levels of harmful emissions, actual fuel consumption or electric energy usage, and official range for electric vehicles. Buyers will be able to access these details through a QR code or directly via their onboard computer system. This transparency will particularly benefit the used car market, allowing buyers to assess battery condition more accurately and determine how much remaining capacity a used electric vehicle still has. For owners of electric vehicles, Euro 7 brings additional benefits. Manufacturers will be required to guarantee that batteries retain at least 80% of their original capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers, and at least 72% after eight years or 160,000 kilometers. The regulation also mandates winter range testing, which will be conducted at a temperature of -7°C to give a more realistic picture of how far an electric vehicle can travel during colder months. These changes aim to increase transparency and reduce manipulation in the used car market, giving buyers better insight into the performance of second-hand electric vehicles. Euro 7 also introduces stricter limits on fine particles generated due to brake wear and tire degradation. Experts at TÜV Nord warn that emissions from these sources could soon exceed those from internal combustion engines. As a result, even electric vehicles, which do not emit exhaust gases, will face stricter measurements because they produce fine particles through braking systems and tires. However, the permissible levels for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter from exhaust gases remain unchanged from Euro 6 standards. At the same time, the period during which manufacturers must ensure compliance with environmental requirements is significantly extended. Previously, manufacturers had to prove compliance up to 100,000 kilometers or five years of vehicle age. With Euro 7, this limit increases to 200,000 kilometers or ten years. This change means that manufacturers will need to maintain higher standards of emission control over longer periods, ensuring that vehicles continue to meet environmental regulations throughout their operational lifespan. The introduction of the eco certificate marks a major shift towards greater transparency in the automotive industry. It aims to empower consumers by providing them with clear, accessible information about the environmental impact and performance of their vehicles. This move aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of transportation. As the new regulations take effect, both manufacturers and consumers will need to adapt to these changes, which are expected to shape the future of vehicle ownership and sales in Europe.