The Government has launched a consultation on whether to accept the latest internationally agreed emissions standards for cars and light goods vehicles (LGVs), known as Euro 6e.

The UK has recently introduced an independent type approval scheme, GB type approval.

Manufacturers currently using provisional GB type approval, which recognises vehicles approved to EU requirements for road vehicles, will need to apply to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) for GB type approval.

For motor vehicles, this applies to new models introduced to the market on or after February 1, 2024, and to all models which are to be produced on or after February 1, 2026.

For trailers towed behind motor vehicles, the applicable dates are one year later, in other words February 1, 2025, and February 1, 2027.

The consultation covers two proposals. The Government is proposing to accept approvals to some international (UNECE) regulations which the UK has signed and therefore undertaken to accept.

The most important of which is whether to accept the latest internationally agreed emissions standards for cars and light goods vehicles, Euro 6e.

The Department for Transport (DfT) says it has identified some subjects which are of lower priority in safety or environmental terms, and it is considering whether to permit manufacturers to test to certain alternative specifications in these subjects, that “provide the same or a comparable level of safety or environmental protection”.

Updating domestic legislation

DfT is proposing to update domestic legislation to ensure that the scheme accepts UNECE regulations that the UK has signed and thus indicated that it will accept, for subjects that currently form part of the GB type approval scheme.

This includes UNECE regulations covering the latest Euro 6e emissions standards for cars and LGVs, facilitating the sale of cleaner vehicles in Great Britain, and permitting manufacturers to sell the same specification of vehicle in Britain as they sell in Europe and Northern Ireland.

EU member states adopted the Euro 6e emissions standards in July, 2022, which introduces a revised set of type approval test procedure requirements but does not change the applicable Euro 6 emission limits.

It will automatically apply to vehicles sold in Northern Ireland under the obligations set out in the Windsor Framework, and thus Euro 6e will become compulsory for vehicles sold in Northern Ireland in due course.

The new GB Whole Vehicle Type Approval scheme (GB WVTA) becomes mandatory for all new vehicle types from February 2024, and all models which are to be produced on or after February 1, 2026.

The current Euro 6 emissions standard which applies to light duty vehicles (cars and vans) contains sub-steps indicated by letters, with the GB scheme currently requiring Euro 6d.

Manufacturers who operate in both EU and British markets have indicated that they intend to sell models of vehicle complying with Euro 6e in both markets but would naturally prefer not to also test those models against the Euro 6d requirements, which would amount to double testing.

DfT is proposing to amend regulations here to permit manufacturers to use the UNECE Regulations, which contain the Euro 6e requirements, to certify compliance with British requirements for Euro 6d.

Manufacturers will be allowed to continue to produce Euro 6d vehicles for the market in Great Britain until further notice: they can continue to demonstrate compliance via Euro 6d testing.

Future emissions requirements for vehicles to be sold in Great Britain are being assessed, it said, and may be consulted upon in future.

There is a similar situation for heavy-duty vehicles: buses and heavy goods vehicles.

The Euro 6 step E emissions standard is specified in UNECE Regulation 49 and is compulsory for new vehicles sold in Northern Ireland, while step D applies in Great Britian, although the DfT says that the majority of heavy vehicles sold here already comply with step E.

Furthermore, it says it has reviewed the latest UNECE regulation on tyre Installation and it is identical to the requirements for tyres in Great Britain.

It therefore intends to give effect to its international obligations by referring to it in the GB type approval scheme.

Electric vehicles

Due to the quiet nature of electric vehicles (EVs) they are required by law to emit a special sound at low speeds, to assist groups such as the blind who might not otherwise be aware of their presence. 

UNECE Regulation 138 on Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV) regulates this special sound and has been signed by the UK so also needs to be accepted in the GB scheme.

The DfT is proposing that the GB scheme should only accept the latest amendments, which prohibited a pause button on the audible warning on the newest vehicles.

Further information on the DfT consultation, which will run until November 10, can be found here. 

EU moves towards Euro 7

In Europe, EU Ministers recently supported revised Euro 7 proposals.

Under the latest proposals, the emissions limits and test conditions for cars and vans will be carried over from Euro 6.

Earlier proposals saw the same limits carried over for only petrol cars, while diesels faces stricter targets. Following a pushback from eight EU countries - who stated the changes could affect investments in new zero-emission powertrain technologies - the revised proposals were backed by the EU Council.

Limits for heavy-duty vehicles will be lowered and test conditions slightly adjusted.

The proposal replaces and simplifies previously separate emission rules for cars and vans (Euro 6) and lorries and buses (Euro VI).