Euro 5 Impact Assessment - Automotive Industries Association of ...

measures in other sectors. The Commission services considers these differences small andwithin an appropriate uncertainty range (e.g. +/- 10%) for this kind of analysis.Furthermore, it should be noted that according to the Systematic Review on HealthEffects of Air Pollution (WHO 2004) specific efforts should be undertaken to reduceemissions from combustion sources emitting primary particulate matter 18 . Thus, theCommission services conclude that the cost-effectiveness of Euro 5 is comparable withmeasures that would be undertaken in other sectors.6.4. Impact of other measuresIn addition to the options for reducing emission limits there are a number of additionalaspects that have been considered as part of the proposal. These measures contribute tothe policy objectives of the proposal, i.e. ensuring the proper functioning of the internalmarket while providing for a high level of environmental protection.6.4.1. Particulate emission limits for lean-burn petrol direct injection vehiclesThe proposal includes the introduction of a particulate matter emission limit of 5 mg/kmfor lean-burn petrol direct injection vehicles. Particulates from petrol vehicles are currentlyunregulated in the EU. Since there is a concern about the health effects of particulatematter and lean-burn engines produce high levels of particulates, the PM emissions shouldbe regulated.At present, petrol lean-burn engine technology is not widespread with only a few vehiclesavailable on the market. However, forecasts that were developed for the market share ofthe technology over the coming years suggest that by 2015, up to 10% of petrol cars willuse such engines.Particulate emissions from lean-burn petrol engines are lower than from diesels withoutafter-treatment but are significantly higher than from those fitted with filters. Particulateemissions from lean-burn petrol engines are also much higher than petrol engines thatoperate stoichiometrically. Test results on currently available lean-burn vehicles suggestthat there is some variation in the levels of particulate emissions produced by suchvehicles, ranging from about 3 to 8 mg/km.Results from the stakeholder consultation have suggested that manufacturers would notseek to use particulate filters for lean-burn petrol engines to meet a particulate matterstandard. Particulate matter abatement would be achieved through engine managementand therefore would imply reasonable costs.Moreover, the 5 mg/km limit proposed in Euro 5 for lean-burn petrol vehicles is in linewith those in other countries. Making international comparisons on emission limits isdifficult due to differences in test procedures. However, the proposed standard of 5mg/km is the same level as the new Japanese standard that is due to enter into force by2009 and similar to the standard used in the United States since 2004 of 6.5 mg/km (10mg/mile).18See p. 11 of “Health aspects of air pollution results from the WHO project “Systematic review ofhealth aspects of air pollution in Europe”. WHO 2004 available athttp://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/air/cafe/activities/pdf/e83080.pdf24