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

 

EU Commission proposes updates to the EU Whole-Vehicle Type-Approval Framework 

The European Commission has published a draft Regulation updating the EU whole-vehicle type-approval (WVTA) framework by amending Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858. The proposal aligns the type-approval requirements with the latest developments under the Euro 7 framework and related UNECE regulations. 

The main objective is to ensure that the EU type-approval framework reflects the technical and regulatory requirements introduced for Euro 7 vehicles, with a particular focus on brake particle emissions, in-vehicle battery durability, electric vehicle (EV) range at low temperatures, and electrified vehicle system power. 

The proposal introduces the following key changes: 

• Updated references to Euro 7 implementing legislation: Annex II, Part I will be amended to include references to the relevant Euro 7 implementing Regulations covering: 

• in-vehicle battery durability; 

• EV range under low-temperature conditions; 

• electrified vehicle system power; and 

• brake particle emissions. 

• Recognition of updated UNECE Regulations: Part II of Annex II will be revised to include the latest versions of UNECE Regulations recognised as equivalent for EU type-approval, including UN Regulations Nos. 83, 154, 177 and 179. 

• Special purpose vehicles: Part III of Annex II will be updated to incorporate Euro 7 requirements for M1 and N1 vehicles and Euro 7ext vehicles, enabling special purpose vehicles to obtain EU whole-vehicle type-approval under the new regulatory framework. 

Background 

Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 sets out the regulatory requirements applicable to EU whole-vehicle type-approval. The proposed amendments reflect recent technological developments in electric vehicle testing, including laboratory measurement of EV range, electrified vehicle system power, brake particle emissions, and in-vehicle battery durability. 

The update also reflects the adoption of the Euro 7 implementing Regulations and aligns the EU framework with relevant UNECE Regulations adopted under the 1958 Agreement. 

In addition, the proposal introduces references to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/216 concerning on-board monitoring and recording devices for certain heavy-duty vehicles. These provisions will apply to Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles and will be incorporated into Parts I and III of Annex II. 

Overall, the amendments ensure that the EU whole-vehicle type-approval framework remains consistent with the latest Euro 7 legislation and international technical standards, providing a harmonised basis for the approval of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and special purpose vehicles. 

To find you more about vehicle regulations in the EU and the EU type approval, do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.