Why Van Drivers Need to Know About Euro Emission Standards

Euro emission standards regulate the exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in the EU. The initial EU standard, Euro 1, was introduced in 1992 and required vehicles to have catalytic converters and run on unleaded petrol.

Over the years, new standards have been introduced, each more stringent than the last, with the latest one, Euro 6, being introduced in 2014. 

Why Do Euro Emissions Standards Exist?

Emissions from vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution and are one of the biggest factors having a negative impact on the overall air quality in Europe.

The aim of Euro emissions standards is to reduce harmful substances produced by vehicles, including Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Particulate Matter (PM).

The implementation of these standards has been highly successful. According the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), “It would take 50 new cars today to produce the same amount of pollutant emissions as one vehicle built in the 1970s.”

Why Do I Need to Know My Van’s Euro Emissions Standard?

It is important that you are aware of your vehicle’s emission categorisation because the Government is putting pressure on local authorities to produce plans to reduce harmful emissions, like clean air zones. 

You may already be familiar with the London T-Charge which places a daily charge on transportation within central London that is not compliant with the minimum Euro emission standards. This is due to be replaced by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on the 8th of April 2019.

The ULEZ is even stricter and will mean that any diesel vans which don’t meet the Euro 6 emissions standard, will be charged to enter central London.

What is My Van’s Euro Emissions Standard?

To find out what your van’s Euro emission standard is, and whether or not it meets the ULEZ standards, check online here.

For more information about Euro emission standards, contact Auto Capital today and speak to one of our experts, or come and view our range of Euro-6-compliant used vans in Stanmore!