Were the emission standards adopted a few years ago too strict? Probably, Europe recently revised the Euro-7 standards in this direction, with a slight relaxation.

On the part of the United States, too, apparently the standards voted for seemed too ambitious, at least in the short term.

More time for builders

On March 21, the American government announced the completion of the development of new standards for harmful emissions from cars. These regulations, which will come into force for light and medium-sized vehicles manufactured between 2027 and 2032, represent an adjustment compared to the original draft, offering greater flexibility to manufacturers while maintaining CO2 reduction targets₂.
The announcement comes at what could be described as a “pivotal” moment in the middle of an election year as President Joe Biden seeks to combine support for the auto industry with his climate commitments. “These tougher pollution standards for cars reinforce US leadership in creating a clean transportation future”– said Michael Regan, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Initially criticized by some environmentalists for bowing to pressure from manufacturers, the US government is justifying the decision giving producers more time to adapt while still maintaining long-term goals. The new standards aim to reduce CO emissions by approximately 50%.₂ by 2032 compared to 2026, according to the EPA.

Standards will promote electrification

These revised standards are part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, given that transportation is currently the largest source of these emissions in the United States. According to the EPA, they will prevent the emission of 7.2 billion tons of CO₂ by 2055, net benefits are estimated at $99 billion per year, including $13 billion in health savings.
Automakers will have the freedom to choose which technologies to use to reduce emissions, although the main focus will be on electrification.

Since the beginning of Joe Biden’s term in office, investment in environmentally friendly vehicles has increased significantly, according to projections, by the 2030s electric vehicle sales could account for up to 56% of passenger car sales.