Euro 7 regulations will effectively “ban” internal combustion engines by 2030, industry lobby claims
The end of internal combustion engine manufacturing could come sooner than previously thought, if claims from the ACEA are to be believed.
Europe’s next series of emissions regulations – known as Euro 7, and slated for introduction in 2025 – could spell the end of mainstream internal combustion vehicle production before the end of the decade, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
Speaking to British publication Autocar over the weekend, a spokesperson for the industry lobby group said: "The ACEA believes that the emission limit scenarios presented [by the European Commission’s Consortium for Ultra Low Vehicle Emissions], coupled with the suggested new testing conditions, would in practice result in a situation very similar to a ban of vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine, including hybrid electric vehicles.”
The group claims the complexity and costs associated with the new standard – which is part of a wider regulatory push to reduce toxic and greenhouse gases including CO2, NOx, particulates, ammonia, methane and NO2 – would make manufacturing ICE vehicles unviable almost immediately for legacy manufacturers.
However, Electric Vehicle Council CEO Behyad Jafari told Drive the position was misguided: “Whether everyone wants to accept it or not, this is a transition that has to – and is going to – happen."
"We might see some minor amendments [to Euro 7] in the coming weeks – as is usually the case, due to industry consultation – but ultimately manufactures will need to go electric.”