Michelin calls for “reliable testing methods” for Euro 7 tire emissions

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Michelin has urged EU regulators to adopt 'real-world' testing methods for measuring tire emissions under Euro 7, arguing that laboratory-based approaches remain “unreliable” and carry “substantial risks.”

In a 2 Sept statement, Michelin said it strongly supported the environmental ambition of Euro 7, which for the first time sets limits on tire wear particle emissions.

Adopted in 2024, the regulation will assess the global emissions of wear particles from all tires sold on the European market. Tires exceeding the set thresholds will be banned from sale.

To ensure accurate measurement, Michelin noted that two approaches are currently under discussion.

The real-world, on-road test method measures emissions in grams per kilometre and per tonne of load.

The French group said the method provides “reliable, reproducible and representative results.”

Developed and supported by the European automotive industry over the past six years, in full transparency with authorities, the method has also been adopted by German automobile association ADAC.

According to Michelin, the method's stringent testing and consistent outcomes with manufacturers’ results make it “the most robust cornerstone for the Euro 7 regulation.”

By contrast, the 'lab-based drum test' relies on “partially defined and non-transparent parameters” and is therefore “open to manipulation to meet regulatory thresholds,” Michelin said.

ADAC also concluded earlier this summer that the lab method was “not yet sufficiently reliable for immediate implementation.”

“Discrepancies between these two methods are considerable: in 28% of cases, the results obtained for the same tire diverge sharply,” Michelin stated.

For example, it explained, a tire with an abrasion index of 1.42 on the road could be banned, while the same tire might be accepted in the lab with a result of 0.83.

As a result, the group warned that adopting the laboratory method immediately would entail “substantial risks.”

These include economic risks, which encourage the import of low-cost, less innovative tires into Europe as well as environmental risks which would “severely undermine” the effectiveness of Euro 7 regulations.

Michelin said it advocates for the immediate application of the real-world test method, while continuing research on a laboratory-based approach.

The lab method, it said, could ultimately serve as “a complementary solution” provided it reaches technical maturity.