EURO 3 refers to the third iteration of emission standards set by the European Union (EU) for cars. These standards aim to regulate and limit the levels of harmful pollutants emitted by cars with internal combustion engines. EURO 3 standards apply to both petrol (gasoline) and diesel-powered cars.
The EURO 3 standards were implemented in two phases:
EURO 3a: This phase was implemented from January 2000 and primarily focused on regulating emissions from petrol cars. It set limits for various pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC). The emission limits for diesel cars remained largely similar to the previous EURO 2 standards.
EURO 3b: This phase was implemented from January 2001 and expanded the emission standards to include diesel cars as well. It tightened the limits for both petrol and diesel cars, particularly focusing on reducing NOx and other pollutant emissions.
The EURO 3 standards introduced stricter requirements for car manufacturers, necessitating the use of advanced emission control technologies. These technologies included the use of catalytic converters for petrol cars, improved engine management systems, and more efficient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems for diesel cars.
Compared to previous EURO standards, EURO 3 significantly reduced the allowed levels of harmful emissions, leading to improved air quality and reduced environmental impact. The adoption of EURO 3 standards prompted advancements in engine technology and the introduction of cleaner and more fuel-efficient cars in the European market.
It’s important to note that EURO 3 standards are specific to the European Union and apply to new cars sold within the EU member states. Other regions and countries may have their own emission standards, such as the EPA standards in the United States or China 3 standards in China, which have similar goals of reducing car emissions and improving air quality.