The EU introduces a new environmental standard: how will this affect electric vehicles?

The European Union is preparing major changes for the automotive industry. The new Euro 7 environmental standard sets rules for the first time not only for cars with internal combustion engines, but also for electric vehicles, with a particular focus on battery life and condition monitoring. These requirements could have a significant impact on electric car manufacturers and buyers in Europe. Find out what new regulations the EU is introducing and how they will change the electric vehicle market

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The European Union is preparing to introduce a new Euro 7 environmental standard, which for the first time applies not only to cars with internal combustion engines, but also to electric vehicles. The new rules are aimed at improving the environmental performance of transport and strengthening control over the condition of batteries. This was reported by the Ukravtoprom association.

What will change for electric vehicles

Unlike previous environmental standards, Euro 7 takes into account the specific features of electric transport. The main focus is on battery life and transparency of information about their condition.

Manufacturers will now have to ensure that batteries retain a certain level of capacity even after several years of use. This is important because battery degradation remains one of the main factors affecting the cost and service life of an electric vehicle.

When will the new rules come into force

The standard will be introduced gradually so that manufacturers have time to adapt their models to the new requirements.

From 29 November 2026, the rules will apply to new models of electric passenger cars and plug-in hybrids that are just entering the market and undergoing certification.

From 29 November 2027, the rules will apply to all new cars sold in car dealerships in EU countries.

For electric trucks and buses, the deadlines will be later. The requirements will come into force on 29 May 2028 for new types of vehicles and on 29 May 2029 for all new models.

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What are the requirements for batteries?

The Euro 7 standard introduces clear indicators for battery capacity retention after several years of operation.

For passenger electric vehicles, the battery must retain at least 80% of its initial capacity after 5 years or 100,000 kilometres of mileage, and at least 72% after 8 years or 160,000 kilometres.

For light commercial vans, the requirements are slightly lower: 75% capacity after 5 years or 100,000 kilometres, and at least 67% after 8 years or 160,000 kilometres of mileage.

These indicators should guarantee a longer battery life and increase consumer confidence in electric vehicles.

Battery status monitoring

Another important innovation is the mandatory installation of battery status monitoring systems.

All new electric and hybrid models must be equipped with SOH (State of Health) on-board systems. These systems will monitor battery degradation in real time and display its actual capacity.

This will allow car owners to better control the condition of the battery, and regulatory authorities to verify that vehicles comply with environmental requirements.

If you plan to continue traveling around Europe by car, you should also take care of insurance for trips abroad.

For Ukrainian drivers, an international insurance certificate, the “Green Card,” is a mandatory document that confirms the existence of car insurance outside Ukraine. You can apply for such insurance online through the Visit Ukraine service, which allows you to quickly obtain the document and use your car in European countries without any problems.

Reminder! Global oil prices have risen sharply amid tensions in the Middle East and the threat of supply disruptions. Experts warn that the rise in raw material prices could quickly affect the cost of petrol and diesel in Ukraine, as the country depends on fuel imports. Find out how fuel prices at Ukrainian petrol stations may change and what drivers can expect in the near future.

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