Two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles: application of the Euro 5 step to the type-approval

PURPOSE: to adapt EU type-approval rules for a wide range of two, three or four-wheel light vehicles to take into account the latest scientific data.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EU) 2019/129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 January 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 as regards the application of the Euro 5 step to the type-approval of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles.

CONTENT: the new rules provide that type-approval tests shall be carried out after a higher number of kilometres travelled than in the past in order to obtain more reliable results from emission control systems.

The Commission concluded in the effect study that the mathematical durability procedure set out in point (c) of Article 23(3) of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013, whereby vehicles are tested after 100 km of use, does not reflect the real degradation of the emission control system of a vehicle during its lifetime. That method should no longer be used and should be phased out by 2025 to provide sufficient lead time to stakeholders to adapt.

For the period until 2025, the required accumulated distance travelled by the vehicle before it is tested should be raised to ensure that the test results are reliable.

The amending Regulation also extends the derogation from the obligation to install OBD II on-board diagnostic systems to new categories of light vehicles. OBD II on-board diagnostic systems are used to identify and report malfunctions and degradation of the emission control system.

The date of application of the Euro 5 emission limits for certain L-category vehicles (L6e-B, L2e-U, L3e-AxT and L3e-AxE) will need to be postponed from 2020 to 2024 to increase the cost-benefit ratio compared to the base line. In addition, manufacturers of those vehicles, which are mainly SMEs, require more lead time to ensure that the transition towards zero emission powertrains, such as electrification, can be achieved in a cost effective way.

The Regulation also extends the Commission's power to adopt delegated acts for a further five years.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.2.2019.