Brake Emissions Euro 7 Rules Set to Transform Vehicle Design
After decades of progress reducing tailpipe emissions, regulators are now targeting another hidden threat: brake emissions. The new Brake Emissions Euro 7 rules, set to take effect in the EU next year, will be the world’s first regulations to limit particulate matter from vehicle braking systems.
According to the European Commission, the goal is to cut PM10 emissions—particles under 10 micrometres—from car brakes by as much as 27% by 2035. These rules apply to new vehicles and will set the allowable brake emissions at 3–11 mg/km, depending on the vehicle class. For reference, most vehicles with cast iron brake discs and low-steel pads currently emit around 8.8 mg/km.
While the public rarely sees or hears about brake dust, garage professionals like Kevan Gibbons, who’s worked in Manchester’s motor trade for 45 years, see its impact every day. He notes that bigger cars, urban driving habits, and declining brake pad quality all contribute to increasing brake wear and dust.
What’s Inside Brake Dust—and Why It Matters
Brake dust is made up of fine metal particles, black carbon, and degraded brake materials. These particles can become airborne and inhaled deep into the lungs. Some studies even suggest they could be more harmful than diesel exhaust.
EIT Urban Mobility, a body supported by the EU, confirms that in many cities, brake dust is now the biggest source of non-exhaust vehicle emissions. Yet awareness remains low.
Electric vehicles help by using regenerative braking, which slows the car using the electric motor instead of friction. However, even EVs rely on traditional braking in some situations, which still produces particulate emissions.
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How Manufacturers Are Reducing Brake Emissions
Two main strategies will help automakers meet Brake Emissions Euro 7 standards. First, they can apply special coatings to brake discs to reduce wear. Second, they can reformulate brake pad materials to produce less dust.
For example, Tenneco’s Fuse+ brake pads reduce PM10 by up to 60%, and they are also copper-free. Italian brake company Brembo uses a high-tech solution called laser metal deposition in its Greentell line. These advanced discs have shown a 60–90% reduction in brake emissions under lab conditions.
Replacing traditional cast iron discs with carbon-ceramic composite discs could also reduce emissions by 81%, although these are typically used in high-end vehicles due to their cost.
Meanwhile, drum brakes—once seen as outdated—are seeing renewed interest. Because their design traps brake dust inside the drum, they emit about 23% less particulate matter than disc brakes. Tenneco reports that demand for drum brakes, especially in aftermarket sales, is declining less rapidly now due to the upcoming rules.
Other solutions include brake dust filters, which can trap emitted particles before they escape into the air. However, they require regular maintenance, or else they can fail and send trapped dust into the environment.
Global Adoption and Material Regulations
The EU is not acting alone. Experts expect China to announce its own version—tentatively called China 7—by the end of 2025, with a focus on PM2.5, which is even finer and more dangerous.
Brake pad composition also varies worldwide. In North America and East Asia, non-asbestos organic pads dominate, offering smoother long-distance driving and lower emissions. Europe, Africa, Latin America, and South Asia still prefer low-steel pads for their better performance feedback.
Toxicity is another concern. While asbestos is banned in EU brake pads, California also restricts copper due to water contamination risks. The Euro 7 standards, however, do not further regulate pad materials—raising fears that low-wear formulas could increase toxicity.
Some companies are voluntarily addressing this. Brembo’s Greentell discs are free of copper, cobalt, and nickel, offering safer options ahead of mandatory regulation.
Though the changes will drive higher costs for automakers—especially around testing and materials—regulators believe the health benefits justify the shift. Already, luxury vehicles include advanced brake systems. These standards will ensure that lower-emission parts reach mainstream models as well.
Even so, public interest may remain limited in places like the UK, where cost-conscious customers prioritize price over environmental impact, according to Kevan Gibbons. But as awareness grows and cities continue to prioritize clean air, regulatory pressure will likely increase globally.
Ultimately, Brake Emissions Euro 7 is a necessary step. It won’t solve urban pollution alone, but it marks a serious move toward healthier cities. Experts say broader changes, like reducing overall car use and redesigning urban transport systems, will be required for lasting impact. Still, as with many environmental issues, this small step may be the one that paves the way for much bigger shifts in how we live, move, and breathe.
