Brake dust on shiny rims is annoying, but that is only the visible part of the
story. Far more critical is the invisible fine dust created with every friction
brake, threatening air quality and health. Now, the new Euro 7 emissions
standard sets strict limits for these particles. And this challenge is also
a great opportunity: AVL combines engineering, simulation, and testing
expertise to help OEMs and brake system suppliers not only comply, but also
create cleaner, safer, and more innovative brake systems.
The First Standard to Regulate Brake Emission
Euro 7 marks a turning point. For the first time, non-exhaust
emissions such as brake and tire wear are part of the legisla-
tion. Alongside stricter tailpipe limits, defined thresholds for
particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) now also apply to brak-
ing systems. This makes the braking system both safety- and
environmentally relevant. All vehicle types, including electric
vehicles, must demonstrate compliance starting in late 2026.
A Wake-Up Call for the Industry
Independent interlaboratory studies (ILS) commissioned by
the EU, as well as AVL’s own measurement campaigns in
Austria and Japan, underline the scale of the challenge: more
than 60 % of tested series-production brakes exceeded the
upcoming Euro 7 limits. Depending on the system, measured
PM10 values ranged from 6 to 20 mg/km – compared to a
threshold of 7 mg/km for light-duty vehicles and just 3 mg/km
for EVs. These findings highlight the urgent need for innova-
tion in brake system design, materials, and validation meth-
ods.
Rethinking Brake Development
For OEMs and suppliers, this means balancing traditional
brake attribute targets such as stopping distance, pedal feel,
NVH, and durability with ambitious emission reduction goals.
AVL supports this transformation with solutions ranging from
low-emission materials and advanced coatings to tribology
concepts, filter technologies, and optimized BEV and PHEV
operation strategies. Modern system approaches like brake-
by-wire, optimized brake calipers & functions, and electrome-
chanical brakes create additional opportunities to reduce wear
particles – without compromising safety or comfort.
We Take Care of Brake Wear:
Meeting Euro 7
Standards
HOME OF INNOVATION
NEXT GENERATION VEHICLES
40 | 41