Euro 7 Emissions Standards 2026: What Electric Car Fleet Managers Need to Know
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As we enter 2026, fleet managers across the UK are preparing for one of the most significant regulatory changes in automotive history: Euro 7 emissions standards. With the regulations set to take effect this year, understanding their implications is crucial for anyone managing a company electric car scheme or considering the transition to electric vehicles.
What Are Euro 7 Emissions Standards?
Euro 7 represents the seventh generation of European emissions standards, designed to significantly reduce pollutants from road vehicles. These regulations establish strict limits on harmful emissions including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane hydrocarbons.
Unlike previous Euro standards that primarily focused on laboratory test conditions, Euro 7 introduces real-world testing requirements that more accurately reflect actual driving conditions. This means vehicles must maintain low emissions across a wider range of temperatures, speeds, and driving scenarios.
The regulations apply to all new vehicles sold in the UK and EU, covering:
Light passenger vehicles (cars)
Light commercial vehicles (vans)
Heavy-duty vehicles (lorries and buses)
When Do Euro 7 Standards Come Into Effect?
The implementation timeline for Euro 7 follows a phased approach:
Mid-2026: New car and van models must comply with Euro 7 standards
Mid-2027: All new cars and vans sold must meet Euro 7 requirements
Mid-2027: New lorry and bus models must comply
Mid-2029: All new lorries and buses sold must meet Euro 7 standards
For fleet managers, this means that any electric car salary sacrifice arrangements or vehicle procurement decisions made now should account for these upcoming regulations.
How Do Euro 7 Standards Affect Electric Vehicles?
Here's the excellent news for fleet managers already operating or considering electric car schemes: electric vehicles are inherently compliant with Euro 7 emissions standards.
Zero Tailpipe Emissions
Electric cars produce no exhaust emissions whatsoever, automatically meeting all Euro 7 requirements for NOx, CO, and hydrocarbon emissions. This isn't just about meeting current standards—it's about complete immunity from future tightening of exhaust emission limits.
Simplified Compliance
Whilst manufacturers of petrol and diesel vehicles must invest heavily in new emission control technologies, electric vehicle manufacturers face minimal additional compliance burden. This translates to:
No unexpected cost increases due to regulatory compliance
Stable vehicle pricing in salary sacrifice electric car schemes
Guaranteed long-term regulatory compliance
Beyond Exhaust Emissions
Euro 7 extends its reach beyond traditional exhaust emissions to include:
Brake Particulate Emissions: Electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which significantly reduces brake pad wear and associated particulate emissions—often by 50% or more compared to conventional vehicles.
Tyre Emissions: Whilst heavier vehicles produce more tyre particulate matter, Euro 7 sets the same limits for all vehicles. Modern EVs are designed with this in mind, and the regulations don't disproportionately affect electric cars.
Battery Durability: Euro 7 mandates that EV batteries must retain at least 80% capacity after five years or 100,000 km, and 72% after eight years or 160,000 km. Most modern electric vehicles already exceed these requirements, with manufacturers offering warranties that guarantee these levels.
What Do Euro 7 Standards Mean for Petrol and Diesel Vehicles?
The impact on conventional vehicles is substantial. Euro 7 introduces:
50% reduction in NOx limits compared to Euro 6
Stricter particulate matter limits
Extended temperature range testing (-10°C to +45°C)
Real-world emissions monitoring requirements
For manufacturers, this necessitates significant investment in:
Advanced catalytic converters
Improved engine management systems
Enhanced particulate filters
On-board emissions monitoring
These technological requirements will likely increase the purchase price of new petrol and diesel vehicles, making the cost comparison between electric cars and petrol cars even more favourable for EVs.
Why Should Fleet Managers Choose Electric Cars Under Euro 7?
Regulatory Future-Proofing
With the UK government's commitment to banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, Euro 7 represents an interim step towards zero-emission transport. Fleet managers who transition to electric vehicles through salary sacrifice now can:
Avoid future regulatory headaches
Ensure uninterrupted fleet operations
Demonstrate environmental leadership
Cost Certainty
Euro 7 compliance costs for conventional vehicles create pricing uncertainty. In contrast, electric car salary sacrifice schemes offer:
20-50% savings compared to traditional car leasing
Fixed monthly costs with no unexpected compliance-related increases
Current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate (compared to up to 37% for high-emission vehicles)
Lower running costs with no fuel price volatility
Environmental Credentials
Businesses increasingly face pressure to demonstrate green credentials and reduce carbon emissions. An electric fleet provides:
Measurable emissions reductions for ESG reporting
Clear evidence of environmental commitment
Enhanced corporate reputation
Support for net zero targets
Employee Attraction and Retention
Offering an electric car scheme as an employee benefit helps businesses:
Attract environmentally conscious talent
Provide valuable cost-saving benefits to employees
Enhance overall benefits packages
Improve employee satisfaction and retention
Are There Any Concerns for EV Fleet Managers?
Battery Durability Requirements
Euro 7's battery durability standards might seem concerning, but modern electric vehicles comfortably exceed these requirements. Most manufacturers already offer 8-year or 100,000-mile warranties guaranteeing 70% capacity retention—well above the 72% required by Euro 7 at eight years.
For fleet managers using 2-4 year salary sacrifice car schemes, vehicles will be replaced well before any battery degradation concerns arise.
Tyre and Brake Emissions
Whilst Euro 7 addresses non-exhaust emissions including tyre wear, this doesn't disadvantage EVs. The regenerative braking systems in electric cars actually reduce brake particulate emissions significantly, and tyre technology continues to improve for all vehicle types.
Charging Infrastructure
Some fleet managers worry about charging infrastructure, but the UK now has over 75,000 public charging points—a 46% increase from the previous year. Additionally, many businesses are installing workplace charging to complement home charging options for employees.
How Does The Electric Car Scheme Help Fleet Managers?
The Electric Car Scheme provides comprehensive support for businesses transitioning to electric fleets:
Complete Employer Protection
Our industry-leading Complete Employer Protection safeguards businesses from financial risks if employees leave during the lease period—protecting you from day one.
No Setup Costs
There are no costs to businesses for implementing the scheme, making it a risk-free way to offer valuable employee benefits whilst future-proofing your fleet against Euro 7 and beyond.
Comprehensive Support
We provide:
Expert guidance on vehicle selection
Seamless administration and reporting
Ongoing support throughout the lease period
Wide Vehicle Choice
Access the best electric cars to salary sacrifice from all major manufacturers, ensuring you can find the perfect vehicles for your fleet requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Euro 7 and Electric Vehicles
Will Euro 7 make petrol and diesel cars more expensive?
Yes, the additional technology required for Euro 7 compliance will likely increase the cost of new petrol and diesel vehicles, making electric cars even more cost-competitive—particularly through salary sacrifice schemes where employees save 20-50%.
Do electric cars need any modifications to meet Euro 7?
No. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and are automatically compliant with all Euro 7 exhaust emission requirements without any modifications.
Should I wait until after Euro 7 to buy an electric car?
No. Electric cars are already compliant, and delaying means missing out on current savings. The 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate for 2025/26 makes electric car salary sacrifice extremely cost-effective right now.
How does Euro 7 affect used electric cars?
Euro 7 only applies to new vehicles. However, the increased cost of new petrol and diesel vehicles under Euro 7 may make used electric cars even more attractive as alternatives.
Taking Action: Future-Proof Your Fleet Today
Euro 7 emissions standards represent a clear signal: the future of transport is electric. For fleet managers, the question isn't whether to transition to EVs, but when—and the answer is now.
By implementing an electric car salary sacrifice scheme today, you can:
Beat Euro 7 compliance concerns entirely
Lock in current low BiK rates and substantial savings
Position your business as an environmental leader
Provide valuable employee benefits at no cost to the business
Ensure long-term fleet sustainability
Contact The Electric Car Scheme today to discover how we can help you transition to a fully Euro 7 compliant electric fleet whilst saving your employees 20-50% on their next car.
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Last updated: 09/02/2026
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