EU imposes stricter limits on electric cars

Starting November 29, 2026, the Euro 7 regulation will impose stricter limits on particles generated by braking in electric cars. The new European rules aim to reduce pollution generated by vehicles, including from sources unrelated to exhaust gases.

For electric passenger cars, the limit will be 3 milligrams of particles per kilometer, while petrol, diesel and hybrid cars will have a limit of 7 milligrams per kilometer. The requirements will initially apply to vehicles receiving a new type approval.

From November 2027, the rules will apply to all new cars registered in the European Union. The particles analyzed come from wear of braking systems and consist, among other things, of ultrafine metal particles.

Although electric cars do not emit exhaust gases while driving, they can contribute to pollution through tire and brake wear. Their greater weight, caused by the batteries, can intensify friction and component wear. Thus, Euro 7 expands the assessment of emissions and, in this context, eliminates the strict classification of electric cars as “zero-emission” vehicles.