The European Commission announced Euro 7 standards that seek to reduce air pollution from non-exhaust emissions. It also includes requirements for the lifespan of electric vehicle (EVs) batteries, setting a minimum for each type of vehicle.
The new standards highlight the need for specialised components for long-haul, high-payload vehicles to reduce non-exhaust emissions and enhance battery life.
In this article, we unpack the new Euro 7 standard, the impact it has on commercial EVs and how high-quality components can ensure compliance.
Recent scientific studies and research have shown that vehicle tyres contribute to micro and nanoplastics found in the environment. These are known as tyre and road wear particles (TWRP), and potentially contribute to adverse health and environmental effects. As a result, Euro 7 seeks to regulate these pollutants, with the gradual elimination of them being a long-term goal.
In the context of trucks, their tyres have been discovered to be less polluting than passenger car tyres. This is due to truck tyres consisting mainly of natural rubber (~34%), whereas the main component of passenger tyres are synthetic polymers (~30%). This raises the added value of electric truck electrification in the move to reduce air pollution. Nonetheless, tyre abrasion and composition needs to be taken into account in modern electric truck design to minimise the amount of TWRP.
Traditional cast-iron disc brakes have been discovered to produce potentially harmful pollutants. They can produce black carbon which is the second strongest contributor to global warming, as well as other pollutants that are potentially harmful to people’s health.
The disc and drum brake systems of ICE high-payload vehicles emit a significant amount of pollutants as they have the highest rate of brake wear compared to most vehicles. For electric truck designs, the integration of regenerative braking systems reduces the amount of wear and abrasion that takes place. This is because a portion of kinetic energy is absorbed by a regenerative motor that converts it into electrical energy. As a result, less pollutants are produced when compared to traditional brake systems, highlighting a key advantage of high-payload vehicle electrification.
Euro 7 also includes standards on minimum battery lifespan to both maximise the use of each EV and limit the amount of battery waste. This comes from the concerns of growing lithium-ion waste as a result of widespread electrification. Euro 7 outlines the following standards for battery durability and lifespan of N1 vehicles (trucks): 75% minimum performance after 5 years or 100000 km (whichever comes first), and 65% after 8 years or 160000 km.
For long-haul truck electrification, there are key aspects that affect battery lifespan.
The challenges of non-exhaust pollutants and battery lifespan of electric trucks can be solved through specialised high-voltage components.
The new Euro 7 standard outlines strict requirements for non-exhaust pollutants and the battery lifespan of EVs. To meet these requirements for long-haul vehicle electrification, specialised components need to be integrated to introduce efficiency, reduce weight and improve thermal management.
At Dalroad, we provide a wide range of components that are designed to enhance performance, efficiency and overall functionality in high-payload EV designs. We also have a team of specialists on-hand to assist you in finding the perfect components for your design, taking all factors into account.
To find out more about our catalogue of components and get support in choosing the right ones for your design, contact a member of our team today.
