Three European Parliament committees have adopted proposals to simplify technical requirements and testing procedures for the automotive industry, while introducing new measures to support electric vehicle production and improve vehicle safety.
The draft rules were approved on Wednesday by the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, and the Transport and Tourism Committee, with 105 votes in favour, 39 against and 21 abstentions.
The proposals form part of the European Commission’s broader automotive package, which aims to reduce regulatory burdens and support the industry’s transition towards cleaner mobility.
New Categories for EU-Made Electric Vehicles
The committees propose introducing a new category of small electric vehicles covering passenger cars with a maximum length of 4.2 metres that are manufactured in the European Union. The production criteria would be defined under the Industrial Accelerator Act.
The draft also introduces definitions for highly efficient electric vehicles manufactured in the EU, based on specific energy consumption requirements, and zero-emission vans made in the bloc.
To encourage demand for these vehicles, the MEPs support targeted incentives, including a super-credit mechanism under the revised CO2 emission performance standards.
Additional Safety Requirements for Cars and Vans
The proposals include new safety provisions for passenger cars and vans with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes.
Vehicles would be required to have child presence detection systems capable of operating after the vehicle has been switched off or locked.
The draft also addresses emergency access to vehicles. Door handles would need to allow mechanical opening from both inside and outside the vehicle to ensure doors can be opened during emergency situations.
Changes to Technical Requirements and Testing
The committees have proposed several adjustments intended to reduce administrative requirements and costs for vehicle manufacturers.
For electric vehicle charging, the European Commission would be required to establish technical requirements by December 31, 2027, to improve interoperability between electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, charging infrastructure and the electricity grid.
Electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes would be exempt from the requirement to install speed limitation devices, subject to periodic evaluation.
For automated driving, the proposal calls for mutual recognition of national authorisations for testing and deploying automated vehicles. It also proposes harmonised minimum requirements across member states to accommodate technological developments.
The committees also recommend maintaining the current method for calculating CO2 emissions from EU-made plug-in hybrid vehicles until the end of 2029. From 2030, the calculation method would be updated annually using real-world driving data.
Separately, implementation of the Euro 7 requirements for heavy-duty vehicles would be postponed by 18 months.
MEPs Highlight Competitiveness and Regulatory Clarity
Michael Bloss (Greens/EFA, Germany), co-rapporteur for the Environment Committee, said the proposals should provide greater certainty for the automotive industry while maintaining environmental objectives.
“The car industry is going through transformational times and Parliament must do its part to provide clarity and planning certainty amid the chaos. At the same time, we must keep ambitions high. Electric cars are the future, and Europe could build great ones”
Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany), co-rapporteur for the Internal Market Committee, highlighted the proposed reduction in administrative requirements and the introduction of new categories for electric vehicles.
“Today’s vote is a clear step towards cutting red tape for Europe’s automotive sector. I also welcome the fact that we are introducing a new category of highly efficient EU-made electric vehicles. This strengthens competitiveness and creates jobs in Europe”
Merja Kyllönen (The Left, Finland), co-rapporteur for the Transport Committee, said the automotive omnibus is intended to address regulatory issues affecting manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.
“The aim of the automotive omnibus is to fix shortcomings in the EU legislation for car and truck manufacturing, for constructors and suppliers wanting to transition to greener solutions, and for consumers who want access to good vehicles, that pollute less and function in any circumstances. This is why I’m particularly happy that with this text we are asking the Commission to move quickly to assess and fix the issues faced by users of the AdBlue reagent in Finland”
Plenary Vote Expected in December 2026
The European Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments is expected to be put to a vote during the December 2026 plenary session.
The proposal follows the European Commission’s December 2025 initiative to simplify technical requirements and testing procedures for motor vehicles as part of its automotive package.
The Commission estimates that the proposed changes could generate annual savings of €706 million for industry, including small and medium-sized enterprises, citizens and public authorities.
