i247 Group urges fleets to reassess SMR strategies ahead of Euro 7

New Euro 7 regulations move beyond tailpipe emissions to particle emissions from tyres and brakes
Euro 7 requires emissions compliance for up to 10 years or 200,000 km (125,000 miles)
Fleet operators will need to re-evaluate SMR strategies

BROKERS advising fleet customers should be aware of the need to reconsider SMR strategies in light of the forthcoming change to Euro 7 emission regulations, according to i247 Group.

Euro 7 comes into effect from 29 November 2026. It applies to all new passenger car and light commercial vehicle types (new model approvals) sold or registered from November 2027.

The new legislation regulates non-exhaust emissions for the first time, bringing brake and tyre emissions into scope and highlighting the growing environmental impact of particulate pollution beyond exhaust emissions.

Brake wear and tyre particulates will be measured under new standardised testing procedures with emission limits applying across all drivetrains. This includes electric vehicles EVs whose increased battery weight may lead to accelerated tyre and brake wear. EV batteries will also be tested for durability as part of the new legislation.

i247 Group, which provides technology driven fleet management solutions, says the new regulations represent a significant change for fleet maintenance management – shifting greater compliance responsibility onto SMR practices and procurement.

“Euro 7 requires UK fleets to think differently about emissions compliance and SMR. For years, fleet emission strategies have centred on powertrain selection. Euro 7 significantly broadens that compliance responsibility by including tyres and brakes.”

David Legg, Director of Propositions and Partnerships, i247 Group Tweet

“The new regulation spotlights the importance of robust SMR strategies and procurement decisions – particularly where low-cost aftermarket tyres and brakes may differ from OEM-approved versions in durability.

“Tyre selection will need to evolve beyond traditional considerations, such as cost, mileage and rolling resistance, to include abrasion performance, vehicle weight impact and alignment with Euro 7 specifications.”

Major LCV implications

Euro 7 changes are most likely to impact LCVs, including urban delivery fleets operating intensive, multi-drop cycles that place high stress on tyres and braking systems. Strong maintenance discipline, load management and tyre selection by duty cycle will become increasingly important in protecting both compliance and vehicle residual values.

The legislation also requires vehicles to remain emissions-compliant for up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometres (approx. 125,000 miles), doubling previous durability expectations and creating new challenges for high mileage fleets.

i247 Group suggests fleets should start preparing for the introduction of Euro 7 now. David Legg added: “Fleet operators that prepare early for Euro 7 will be in a much stronger position to control costs, protect uptime and manage long-term vehicle performance. Our advice to fleets is to start engaging with OEMs, leasing providers and SMR partners now for Euro 7 readiness.

“Whole-life cost modelling, procurement strategies and SMR networks will all need closer scrutiny under Euro 7, particularly for high-utilisation fleets. Optimising operational strategies will also be key to tighter emissions compliance – whether that’s tyre inflation monitoring, wheel alignment controls, preventative brake inspections or reducing uneven wear patterns.”

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