Mon, 04 Aug 2025

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 Will new greener brake pads be more expensive?

Automotive industry will have to change techniques and materials as new EU rules come into force in 2026

* Brake dust is now a major source of pollution in urban areas, with some studies suggesting it's even more harmful than diesel exhaust.
* Electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions and have much less brake wear, but still generate some friction-based pollution through regenerative braking.
* The European Union has introduced new regulations limiting the level of brake emissions from new vehicles, known as Euro 7, which will come into effect next year.
* Under Euro 7, brake emissions of PM10 particles will be limited to 3-11 mg/km, depending on vehicle type.
* The EU predicts that by 2035, the regulations will reduce particles emitted from brakes by 27%.
* Other regions are likely to follow suit, with China expected to introduce similar regulations soon.
* Manufacturers will need to use low-wear materials or apply coatings to brake discs to meet the new emissions standards.
* Some manufacturers, such as Brembo and Tenneco, have already developed copper-free brake products that reduce PM10 emissions by up to 90%.
* Drum brakes may see a resurgence due to Euro 7 regulations, which could contain particles within the drum rather than releasing them into the air.
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