EU: Updates to the whole vehicle type approval

 

The EU Commission has launched a public consultation to update the requirements for the EU whole vehicle type approval. The goal is to take into account the following regulatory developments:

• the first phase of implementation of the Euro 7 Regulation
• the introduction of advanced driver distraction warning systems for small series and special purpose vehicles
• the possibility to approve motor vehicles with automated valet parking in unlimited series
• the equivalency list of alternative UN Vehicle Regulations.

Arrière-plan:

The table in Annex II, Part I, of Regulation (EU) 2018/858 lists the requirements for EU whole-vehicle type-approval for vehicles produced in unlimited series, as set out in the referenced regulatory acts. To reflect technological and regulatory progress, it is necessary to add references to newly adopted rules on driver control assistance systems, automated valet parking, and Euro 7 vehicles.

UN Regulation No 171 establishes uniform provisions for the approval of vehicles equipped with driver control assistance systems. Under point E10 of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, the technical requirements of UN Regulation No 171 apply on a voluntary basis where such systems are fitted. To enable the EU whole-vehicle type-approval of unlimited-series vehicles equipped with these systems, they should be added to the table in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Annex V to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1426 sets out the requirements for approving motor vehicles fitted with automated valet parking. To allow manufacturers to apply for EU whole-vehicle type-approval for unlimited-series vehicles equipped with such systems, these requirements should also be included in the table in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1257 lays down the technical requirements for emission type-approval of Euro 7 vehicles, while Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1706 sets out the procedures and testing methodologies for exhaust and evaporative emissions of M1 and N1 vehicles. The list of regulatory acts in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 should therefore be expanded to cover the corresponding Euro 7 requirements.

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1707 establishes rules regarding on-board monitoring systems, on-board fuel and energy consumption monitoring, the environmental vehicle passport, in-vehicle display of environmental data, and manipulation devices and strategies. These requirements, and the reference to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1707, should also be added to the list of regulatory acts in Part I of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2590 lays down technical requirements for advanced driver distraction warning systems. These requirements apply to new types of vehicles in unlimited series from 7 July 2024 and to all new vehicles from 7 July 2026. To allow manufacturers of small-series and special-purpose vehicles sufficient time to adapt, an additional two-year lead time should be granted.

The 03 series of amendments to UN Regulation No 100 introduces stricter requirements for electric powertrains that apply to new vehicles produced in unlimited series as of 1 September 2025. Manufacturers of small-series vehicles should be given sufficient time to adjust their production accordingly. Moreover, since wheelchair-accessible vehicles are predominantly manufactured by small and medium-sized enterprises, additional flexibility should be provided by waiving the tests under paragraphs 6.4 and 6.5 of UN Regulation No 100 where structural modifications do not affect the rechargeable electric energy storage system.

The table in Part II of Annex II to Regulation (EU) 2018/858, which lists UN Regulations and their recognised equivalent versions for EU type-approval, should be updated to reflect developments at UNECE level.

Finally, the tables in Appendixes 1 to 6 of Part III of Annex II list the requirements for approving special-purpose vehicles. These lists should also be supplemented to include the Euro 7 requirements applicable to such vehicles.

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