What Buyers Need To Know About Euro Emission Standards

In a world that is ever more conscious of climate change and the damage that we are doing to the environment, governments and authorities are putting restrictions in place in relation to vehicle emissions.

The Euro Emission Standards have been set by the European Union to limit the number of harmful pollutants that vehicles can emit, and the regulations apply to all vehicles that are sold in the EU and UK.

They aim to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and are particularly important for commercial vehicle buyers to be aware of.

In this article, Walker Movements share their thoughts on the Euro Emission Standards and what they mean to help buyers make more informed decisions when buying used trucks or vans.

What are the Euro Emission Standards?

Launched in 1992, the European Emissions Standards aim to improve air quality by ensuring a vehicle meets a relevant standard when it is made. These standards intend to limit the amount of CO2 emitted by cars, trucks and other vehicles and the regulations have become more stringent over time. In the UK, transport contributes to 28% of all CO2 emissions and so the regulations are very important.

The first EU-wide standard was known as Euro 1, and saw catalytic converters become compulsory on new vehicles. There have since been a series of new Euro Emissions Standards, with Euro 6 being introduced in September 2014 and Euro 7 due to come into force in November 2026.

The aim of the Euro Emission Standards is to reduce the levels of harmful exhaust emissions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. The required standards will vary between petrol and diesel engines as they both produce different types of emissions.

Why Euro Emission Standards matter for commercial vehicle sales

Being aware of your emission standards is particularly important for anyone purchasing a commercial vehicle. One reason for this is to ensure that you are compliant with any necessary regulations.

For example, many UK cities now have Low Emission Zones and some, like London, are even bringing in Ultra Low Emission Zones which means that your vehicle will need to meet required emission standards, as these currently only allow Euro 6 vehicles to operate without an extra charge.

The Euro Emission Standards that your vehicle conforms to will also have an impact on its resale value. Given the current restrictions, Euro 6 vehicles tend to retain more value than those in the lower categories and are therefore also easier to sell. This is particularly important for commercial vehicles, as businesses need to ensure that they get the most from their asset.

Adhering to the Euro Emission Standards is also important from a reputational point of view. Businesses are facing increasing amounts of pressure from their customers to show environmental responsibility, so ensuring that your vehicles adhere to all current standards can be incredibly important in boosting your green credentials.

It is also important to be aware of any insurance implications as some insurance companies have been found to look more favourably on fleets that are compliant with the latest Euro Emission Standards.

The differences between Euro 5 and Euro 6

The Euro 5 standard was brought in at the start of 2011, while Euro 6 came in during September 2015. To be classed as Euro 6 compliant, a diesel car needs to emit no more than 0.08g/km of nitrogen oxide, while petrol vehicles should not exceed 0.06g/km. In comparison, the Euro 5 regulations allow vehicles to emit no more than 0.18g/km, while petrol cars can emit no more than 0.06g/km.

This means that to be in line with current Euro 6 standards, some manufacturers have introduced selective catalytic reduction, which requires a liquid reductant agent to be injected through a catalyst into the exhaust of a diesel vehicle. The ensuing chemical reaction will convert the nitrogen oxide into harmless water and nitrogen to be expelled through the exhaust pipe.

Alternatively, an exhaust gas recirculation system may be fitted where portions of the exhaust gas are mixed with intake air to lower the burning temperature.

Some Euro 5 vehicles are permitted to enter Ultra Low Emission Zones without having to pay a daily fee if they are considered to be relatively low emitters and compliant with the relevant standards. However, the Euro 5 vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 standards for nitrogen oxides will still be subject to the daily charge.

Checking the Euro rating of your used truck or van

If you are buying a used truck or van, then it is important to find out what its Euro rating is. You can find the emission standards for a vehicle in the V5C logbook, on the manufacturer’s plate or through an online DVLA checker.

It is important to remember that for some older vehicles this may not be clear cut, as there have been examples of mislabelled imports and some confusion around the early Euro 6 vehicles.

When buying a vehicle, it is important to double check the Euro rating for yourself to avoid being hit with any surprise pollution charges in the future. The manufacturer of the vehicle should be able to provide information on the emissions and Euro status of the vehicle.

The future for Euro standards

The Euro 7 emissions are due to be introduced in 2026 and will focus on non-exhaust emissions such as brake dust in addition to the current requirements. It also appears that compliance will be extended to ensure that cars and vans meet the standard for a minimum of 10 years at 124,000 miles.

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids will also have their batteries tested for longevity and performance. This will fit the increasing shift towards electric and hybrid commercial vehicles, but it is understood that Euro 6 will still dominate the market for some time to come.

It is also likely that government incentives and scrappage schemes may favour the newer Euro standards.

Understanding the Euro Emission Standards when buying a commercial vehicle is essential if you want to minimise extra costs incurred by emission zones and ensure that you are compliant with all government legislation.