Introduced to force manufacturers to design cleaner cars, the Euro5 standard also applies to two-wheelers. The euro1 standard was applied in 1993. For vehicles designed from the third quarter of 2018 onwards, the euro6c standard is the latest standard to be implemented. The euro5 standard applies to vehicles designed between 2011 and 2015. Diesel vehicles are most affected, but other engines are not excluded, particularly in the case of motorbikes.
Who are the main targets of the Euro5 standard?
Diesel cars are the main targets of the Euro5 standard. The reason why this type of engine would be particularly targeted by this standard is that they are strongly criticised for their cleanliness, even though they are more economical than petrol engines. The fine particles emitted by diesel engines are very harmful to health. Diesel vehicles are therefore more polluting than petrol-powered vehicles. For a diesel vehicle according to the euro5 standard, the fine particles it emits must not exceed 6x1011 Nb/km or 5 mg/km. The carbon monoxide level must not exceed 500 mg/km. The maximum nitrogen oxide level allowed under the Euro 5 standard is 10 mg/km. The limit for nitrogen oxides mixed with hydrocarbons is 230 mg/km. Improvements to the particulate filter on diesel vehicles introduced after 2011 have led to a reduction in emissions of fine particles and pollutant gases.
Regulations to comply with standards
Other engines, such as vehicles running on LNG, LPG or petrol, are not excluded by the Euro 5 standard. However, the authorised limits are less stringent than those for diesel vehicles. For these types of engines, particulate matter must not exceed 5 mg/km. The maximum carbon monoxide level must not exceed 1000 mg/km compared to 500 mg/km for a diesel vehicle. A maximum rate of 68 mg/km is allowed for non-methane hydrocarbons. For nitrogen oxides, the rate of the latter must not exceed 60 mg/km compared to 10 mg/km for diesel engines.
What about two-wheelers?
New motorbikes will also be affected by the Euro 5 standard from 1 January, 2021. The aim of these requirements is to reduce the emission of fine particles and polluting gases as much as possible in order to protect health and the environment. The motorbike models on display at trade fairs already meet this standard.