Day 3 (14.10.2025) – Understanding Euro Standards
Location: Volan Trans Driving School
The third lecture introduced the regulatory side: the evolution of the Euro emissions standards in the EU, why they matter for vehicles, air quality and drivers.
What was covered
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An overview table of Euro standards:
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Euro 1 (1992): first EU-wide restriction on CO, HC emissions and introduction of catalytic converters.
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Euro 3 (2000): new restrictions on NOₓ, HC and CO.
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Euro 4 (2005): stricter limits for HC and NOₓ, and for particles from diesel.
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Euro 5 (2009): introduction of specific limits for particulate matter (PM) and particle number (PN) in petrol direct-injection vehicles.
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Euro 6 (2014/15): significantly reduced NOₓ and PM limits; includes real-driving emission (RDE) testing to capture real-world conditions.
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Euro 7 (2026 expected): will address non-exhaust emissions (tyres, brakes, road wear) and further tighten lifetime limits of vehicles.
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Example: A diesel car under Euro 3 may emit up to 500 mg/km NOₓ, whereas under Euro 6 the limit is only about 80 mg/km.
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The lecturer explained how choosing a higher Euro-rated vehicle (where feasible) contributes to cleaner air and may offer advantages (e.g., access to low-emission zones, lower taxes/fees).
Why is this relevant
Euro standards are a fundamental regulatory tool of the European Commission, aiming to protect public health and improve air quality by reducing pollutants from vehicles at the source. Understanding these standards helps young drivers make informed choices (when buying or using vehicles) and recognise the importance of cleaner vehicle fleets in their communities.
