The Commission also encourages technological development to help protect the environment and reduce air pollution.
Emissions from light-duty vehicles
- Emission limits – regulations on emission limit standards Euro 5 and 6 for light passenger and commercial vehicles have introduced new stricter emission limits
- Reducing CO2 –EU laws set binding emission targets for new car and van fleets to help reduce the CO2 emissions of light-duty vehicles. More on reducing CO2 emissions. EU legislation sets binding emission targets for new car and van fleets. As the autom
otive industry works towards meeting these targets, average emissions are falling each year - To help drivers choose new cars with low fuel consumption, EU legislation requires Member States to ensure that relevant information is provided to consumers, including a label showing a car’s fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
- Improving testing procedures – as of 1 September 2017, new car models will have to pass new and more reliable emissions tests in real driving conditions (‘Real Driving Emissions’ – RDE) as well as an improved laboratory test (‘World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure’ – WLTP) before they can be driven on European roads. More on the improved testing procedures
Emissions from heavy-duty vehicles
- Emission limits – Regulations on EURO VI for heavy duty vehicles have introduced new stricter emission limits. Euro VI standards became mandatory on 1 January 2013
- Reducing CO2 – the Commission is working on a comprehensive strategy to reduce CO2 emissions
Fuel quality
Fuel quality is an important element in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. EU legislation requires the greenhouse gas intensity of vehicle fuels to be cut by up to 10% by 2020.