On 29th June 2007, the European Union published EC Regulation No. 715/2007, which introduced the Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions requirements for light duty vehicles. As well as containing the emissions limits and associated introduction dates for Euro 5 and Euro 6 (summarised at the end of this article), this new Regulation also contained three other significant amendments to the current EU emissions requirements.
Consolidation of Existing Requirements
Whilst EC Regulation No. 715/2007 contains the main requirements for Euro 5 and Euro 6, the detailed technical requirements and specifications will be contained in a separate EC Regulation (expected to be published in the next couple of months). These two new EC Regulations will then repeal and replace the current EC Directive on light duty emissions (70/220/EEC) and all of its amending Directives. Additionally, these new EC Regulations will incorporate all of the requirements from the current EC Directive on the measurement of CO2 emissions (80/1268/EEC) and, hence, will also repeal and replace this Directive and all of its amendments. In total, these new Regulations will repeal and replace 16 EC Directives.
Removal of Relaxation for Heavy M1 Category Vehicles
The current light duty emissions requirements include a clause which permits M1 category vehicles (i.e. passenger vehicles passengers with less than 10 seats) which have a gross vehicle weight greater than 2500 kg to meet the less stringent emissions limits applicable to N1 category vehicles (i.e. goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3500 kg). However, it has been decided that this relaxation should be phased out. Therefore, from the introduction of the Euro 5 requirements, this relaxation will only be available to M1 category vehicles "designed to fulfil specific social needs" and, from the introduction of the Euro 6 requirements, this relaxation will be removed completely. (Note: The definition of M1 category vehicles "designed to fulfil specific social needs" is given at the end of this article.)
Access to Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information
To allow for more competition in the market for vehicle repair and maintenance services, this new Regulation requires vehicle manufacturers to make information related to their on-board diagnostic systems readily available to independent vehicle repairers. The Regulation specifies which information must be made available and specifies that the information must be made available through web sites using a standardised format (known as OASIS) in a readily accessible and prompt manner. Compliance with these requirements will be assessed as part of the type approval process.
Summary of Emissions Limits
Positive Ignition Engines
| CO | THC | NMHC | NOx | PM | ||
| Euro 5 | M1 | 1000 | 100 | 68 | 60 | 5.0 |
| N1 Class I | 1000 | 100 | 68 | 60 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class II | 1810 | 130 | 90 | 75 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class III | 2270 | 160 | 108 | 82 | 5.0 | |
| Euro 6 | M1 | 1000 | 100 | 68 | 60 | 5.0 |
| N1 Class I | 1000 | 100 | 68 | 60 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class II | 1810 | 130 | 90 | 75 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class III | 2270 | 160 | 108 | 82 | 5.0 | |
Compression Ignition Engines
| CO | THC + NOx | NOx | PM | ||
| Euro 5 | M1 | 500 | 230 | 180 | 5.0 |
| N1 Class I | 500 | 230 | 180 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class II | 630 | 295 | 235 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class III | 740 | 350 | 280 | 5.0 | |
| Euro 6 | M1 | 500 | 170 | 170 | 5.0 |
| N1 Class I | 500 | 170 | 170 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class II | 630 | 195 | 195 | 5.0 | |
| N1 Class III | 740 | 215 | 215 | 5.0 | |
Notes
- All limits are given in mg/km.
- CO = Carbon monoxide, THC = Total hydrocarbons, NMHC = Non-methane hydrocarbons, NOx = Oxides of nitrogen and PM = Particulate matter.
- For positive ignition engines, the particulate matter limit only applies to vehicles with direct injection engines.
- N1 Class I vehicles are goods vehicles with a Reference Mass not exceeding 1305 kg.
- N1 Class II vehicles are goods vehicles with a Reference Mass exceeding 1305 kg, but not exceeding 1760 kg.
- N1 Class III vehicles are goods vehicles with a Reference Mass exceeding 1760 kg.
- Reference Mass is the mass of the vehicle in running order, less the uniform mass of 75 kg and increased by a uniform mass of 100 kg.
Summary of Introduction Dates
| New Type Approvals | New Registrations | ||
| Euro 5 | M1 and N1 Class I | 01/09/2009 | 01/01/2011 |
| M1 designed to fulfil specific social needs | 01/09/2009 | 01/01/2012 | |
| N1 Classes II and III | 01/09/2010 | 01/01/2012 | |
| Euro 6 | M1 and N1 Class I | 01/09/2014 | 01/09/2015 |
| N1 Classes II and III | 01/09/2015 | 01/09/2016 | |
Notes
- M1 category vehicles "designed to fulfil specific social needs" are defined as vehicles with a diesel engine that are either:
- Special purpose vehicles, as defined in 70/156/EEC (i.e. ambulances, motor caravans, hearses and armoured vehicles), with a Reference Mass exceeding 2000 kg, or
- Vehicles with a Reference Mass exceeding 2000 kg which are designed to carry seven or more occupants, including the driver, or
- Vehicles with a Reference Mass exceeding 1760 kg which are built specifically for commercial purposes to accommodate wheelchair use inside the vehicle.