There is a new possible revolution on the horizon for the world of engines in the European Union. By the end of the current year, in fact, one should be approved new normative relating to the so -called End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) or vehicles at the end of their life cycle. This is a very important measure that aims to support the spread of a circular economy and, at the same time, improve the organization of the sector, with the aim of reducing the dispersion of used vehicles, often exported to other countries. With the new measure, there could be a real narrow from the EU both on the scrapping and on the management of spare parts (deriving from vehicles at the end of the life cycle). Let’s go out on what’s going on.
What the EU wants to do
The new regulatory framework on which the EU is at work touches various aspects of the End-Of-Life Vehicles sector. In particular, one of the objectives of the new European measures will be to introduce a system of compulsory recyclability certification To which all the new vehicles that arrive on the market (not only cars) will have to adapt. In essence, manufacturers will have to certify their vehicles to confirm that the design took place taking into account all the aspects related to the circular economy. The vehicles must be easy to disassemble and must allow, at the time of disposal, the possibility of separating the materials as well as to be able to recover the reusable components and the dangerous substances for the environment (for a more specific disposal).
Another aspect not to be underestimated is linked to the traceability of the materials used for production. The certification must include information relating to the dangerous substances used, as components that could find space in batteries for electric cars, and must include detailed information regarding disposal. This package of measures aims to push manufacturers towards a modular and, above all, more sustainable design design, in order to support the development of a circular economy in the motor sector. It is an aspect destined to become increasingly important in the future.
For each vehicle there will be a Digital Vehicle Passport That is, a digital passport that, in fact, will allow you to guarantee complete traceability. This system will be accessible to all national authorities but also to the authorized centers for the treatment of vehicles at the end of the life cycle as well as consumers and companies engaged in the sector of the purchase and sale of used vehicles. The digital passport will offer greater transparency, contrasting illegal practices related to the second -hand market.
It should be noted that the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility which extends the manufacturer’s liability also to the vehicle’s end -of -life phase. The houses will therefore be involved in vehicle disposal measures. This package of rules will also allow to obtain, according to the estimates of the European Commission, a substantial one Reduction of CO2 emissions (over 12 million tons less per year) and an increase in plastic recycling.
The date
The new package of measures is currently being defined, with the usual negotiation between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The definitive version of the new legislation should arrive by the end of 2025 while we will have to wait for the 2026 (or at most 2027) for theentry into force.
