What are the different European Emission Standards?
The European emission standards go from Euro 1, which was the first set off standards, all the way up to the present-day standards of Euro 6. We’ll be looking at each one in more detail, but in reverse order, starting from today’s emission standards and working our way back to when they were first implemented. If you’d like to skip to a specific standard, you can do so below.
- Euro 1 emission standard
- Euro 2 emission standard
- Euro 3 emission standard
- Euro 4 emission standard
- Euro 5 emission standard
- Euro 6 emission standard
Euro 6 and Euro 6 diesel
The Euro 6 emission standards, introduced in September 2014, is the sixth and current standard for all new cars. The Euro 6, following on from the other standards before it, sees a greater reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are reduced a further 67% from the previous Euro emission standards check, going from 0.18g/km in Euro 5, to just 0.08g/km. Many cars now use additives, via Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), to convert harmful gasses emitted from diesels into nitrogen and water.
As the decades have progressed – from the introduction of the Euro emissions standards in 1992, to today – the number of harmful car emissions allowed has dropped rapidly, in order to preserve the environment and people’s health. To put it into context, let’s compare the very first Euro emissions standards with today’s output.
From 1992, new vehicles had to meet the Euro 1 measures:
- Petrol: CO: 2.72g/km HC + NOx: 0.97g/km
- Diesel: CO: 2.72g/km HC + NOx: 0.97g/km PM: 0.14g/km
Fast-forward to Euro 6 and the numbers have changed significantly:
- Petrol: CO: 1.00g/km HC: 0.10g/km NOx: 0.06g/km PM: 0.005g/km PM: 6.0×10 ^11/km
- Diesel: CO: 0.50g/km HC + NOx: 0.17g/km NOx: 0.08g/km PM: 0.005g/km PM: 6.0×10 ^11/km
Euro 5
The focus is on diesel cars and their emissions with the introduction of Euro 5 in September 2009. Euro 5 emissions reduced the limit on nitrogen oxides from diesel-powered cars by 28%, and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) were needed by all diesels to meet the new requirements, capturing 99% of particulate matter. A particulate limit was also introduced to petrol cars with direct injection engines. Limits were also reduced across the board.
Euro 4
In January 2005, the Euro 4 emission standards brought tougher sanctions in to tackle the emissions from diesel engines, which were fast becoming popular because of their excellent fuel economy. This was also the first time many cars were being fitted with diesel particulate filters to reduce particulate matter (PM).
Euro 3
With the incoming of Euro 3 in January 2000, the test procedure for emissions was changed in order to stop manufacturers using an engine-warm up period. A limit on the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from diesels was also implemented, along with separate hydrocarbon and NOx limits for petrol engines. Permitted carbon monoxide and diesel particulate limits were also further reduced.
Euro 2
In January 1996, Euro 2 emission standards introduced different emission limits for petrol and diesel cars. It reduced the limit for carbon monoxide and further reduced the combined emission limit for unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides for both petrol and diesels.
Euro 1
Introduced in July 1992, Euro 1 was the first Europe-wide emissions standards. It required all new petrol cars to switch to unleaded fuel and have catalytic converters fitted to reduce carbon monoxide. Back then, the emissions regulations weren’t as strict as they are now. Only hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide were tested, along with particulate matter for diesel engines. Nonetheless, it was the first step towards improving air quality and reducing harmful emissions.