Otto Zimmermann details Euro 7-compliant brake parts

Euro 7 emissions regulations will start to come into effect towards the end of 2026. While there has been little change in standards covering gaseous emissions limits compared to Euro 6 regs, exhaust emission particulates will now be measured down to 10 nm (nanometre, or one billionth of a metre), where those below 23 nm were not previously measured.

But there are other factors to be considered for Euro 7. From November 29, newly type-approved passenger vehicles and light commercials will need to meet regulations covering brake pad and brake disc abrasion. From November 29, 2027, these same regs will apply to all newly-registered light vehicles (the regulations are not retroactive).

To meet the particle limits, German parts supplier Otto Zimmermann has updated its product range, using advanced coatings and other strategies to reduce particulates released by brake pads and discs.

Particulate measurement test bench at Otto Zimmermann (Photo: Otto Zimmermann)

For example, the company is now offering carbide-coated brake discs, where the wear-resistant coatings ‘significantly reduce abrasion’ and related particle release. Further to this, optimised friction mixtures reduce the volume of released particles.

“We are aware of the importance of the Euro 7 standard and see it as a great opportunity for innovation,” said a spokesperson for Otto Zimmermannn. “That is why we are already developing our own solutions for brake discs in combination with specially developed brake pads during the ongoing negotiations. In-house test benches are available to ensure compliance with future limit values. These have recently been supplemented by a particle test bench sourced specifically for this purpose.”

Otto Zimmermann noted that as it stands, no decision has been made as to requirements for aftermarket products, stating: “We will continue to closely monitor this process and involve our partners in product development.”

It should also be noted that while similar limits on brake dust particle counts for heavy-goods vehicles have not yet been mandated, it is likely that similar regulations will come into effect at some future point.

While not affecting products produced by Otto Zimmermann, it should also be noted that Euro 7 tyre wear regulations are also set to come into effect, limiting particulate emissions down to 2.5 nm. These will come into effect on July 1, 2028 for Class C1 passenger cars and on April 1, 2030 for Class C2 light commercial vehicles.