United Kingdom adopts EU euro 7 standards for electric vehicle batteries

The United Kingdom will adopt the European Union Euro 7 standards for all new passenger cars and vans starting in November 2027.

This move expands regulations beyond tailpipe emissions to include environmental impacts from non-combustion sources, such as brake and tire wear. The new rules set mandatory minimum standards for the storage capacity of batteries in electric and plug-in hybrid cars.

Manufacturers must ensure that batteries retain at least 80 percent of their original capacity after five years or 100,000 kilometers of use. After eight years or 160,000 kilometers, the batteries must still provide at least 72 percent of their initial capacity. These measures aim to protect used car buyers from sudden range losses and prevent the premature disposal of batteries. Car manufacturers are also required to install standardized battery health monitors.

These monitors will provide a consistent way to compare the condition of batteries across different models and engine types to increase transparency for buyers. For internal combustion engines, the rules adjust nitrogen oxide limits for diesel cars to match those of gasoline cars at a maximum of 60 mg/km. These emissions must be maintained over 10 years or 200,000 kilometers of real-world driving. The transition dates vary by vehicle type.

While passenger cars and light vans must comply by November 2027, new truck and bus models must meet the standards by May 2028 and May 2029. Small-scale manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 vehicles per year have until July 1, 2030, to comply. Existing vehicles and current rules for environmental zones like the London ULEZ remain unchanged.