EU: Several new automotive legislative initiatives announced

 

The EU has announced several new upcoming regulations. Among them are:

• Updates to whole vehicle type-approval – Euro 7 2nd package and list of alternative UN Regulations

This initiative updates the requirements for whole vehicle type-approval in the EU (Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858). It aims to bring these requirements into line with the regulatory developments of the Euro 7 Regulation for implementation purposes, with a particular focus on brake emissions and in-vehicle battery durability.

• Motor Vehicles – technical requirements for EU Individual Vehicle Approval (EU-IVA)

This initiative aims at updating the technical requirements for the EU individual vehicle approval to reflect the technology and regulatory developments and to ensure a high level of safety and environmental protection of vehicles put in circulation on EU roads.

• Replacement batteries (REESS) for electric vehicles – Procedure for authorisation

Electric vehicle battery technology is advancing constantly. Technological obsolescence and the depletion of raw materials may make it harder to find identical replacements for the original battery over time. This initiative aims to authorise replacing batteries in existing vehicles with more advanced non-original batteries. This will ensure the safety, continued operation and extended lifespan of electric vehicles, thereby strengthening consumer confidence.

• Update of Euro 7 conditions for testing compliance with brake particle emission limits

This revision of secondary legislation (delegated act) updates the conditions for testing compliance with brake particle emission limits under the Euro 7 Regulation. The critical aspect of brake emissions needs to be addressed in order to make type-approval possible as soon as Euro 7 is introduced. Refining testing protocols will support the EU’s commitment to reducing vehicle pollution and promoting cleaner air, and will contribute to environmental sustainability across Member States.

The adoption of respective draft legal acts is expected in Q2 2026.

To find out more about vehicle regulations in the EU, please do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.