Utsläppsklasser

Utsläppsklasser are environmental classifications used to categorize vehicles based on their emission levels of pollutants. These classes are important for regulating vehicle emissions and promoting cleaner transportation. The system aims to reduce the negative impact of exhaust fumes on air quality and public health.

In many countries, including Sweden, vehicles are classified into different emission classes, often referred to as Euro classes for road vehicles. These classes are updated periodically to reflect stricter environmental standards. For example, Euro 6 is the current standard for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Europe, setting limits for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

The classification of a vehicle into an emission class determines various factors, including access to low-emission zones in cities, taxation, and sometimes even parking fees. Vehicles meeting higher emission standards (e.g., newer Euro classes) typically face fewer restrictions and may benefit from lower costs. This incentivizes the automotive industry to develop and produce vehicles with reduced environmental impact.

The concept of emission classes is also applied to other sources of emissions, such as industrial facilities and heating systems, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to monitor and control pollution levels across different sectors.