The increase in ozone concentrations
When we think about what cars will look like at the turn of this century, we cannot avoid reflecting on sustainability. The results of a study across 35 European countries, coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and published in Nature Communications, are not encouraging: between 2003 and 2019, ozone concentrations increased by 0.58% per year in Southern Europe, with a fourfold rise in unhealthy air days in just 16 years. The ozone referred to in the study is tropospheric ozone, which forms in the lowest layers of the atmosphere and is the result of chemical reactions between its precursors, mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Ozone is a pollutant especially widespread in highly urbanized environments, and its concentration rises during the summer months due to strong solar radiation, high temperatures, and persistent weather conditions, with little or no variation for prolonged periods.
Although it is complex to establish a direct relationship between precursors and ozone concentration in the troposphere, the main responsibilities are attributed to road transport emissions, the production and use of organic solvents, combustion processes related to energy production, and industrial processes that release large amounts of nitric oxide (NO) into the environment.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Although greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to the previous year and by 18% compared to 2013 (with the energy sector recording the largest reduction, down 43% in ten years), this positive trend has not affected the transport sector, which saw an increase of 14% between 2013 and 2023. The rise in temperatures is now destined to surpass the 2°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, and although the damage caused by climate change is now unavoidable, its extent could be minimized by adopting stringent measures aimed at decarbonization, especially in the transport sector.
In this regard, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility has reported that transport alone accounts for more than a quarter of total emissions, but when considering only carbon dioxide, the percentage reaches almost 99% of all vehicle emissions. Diesel remains the most polluting fuel, releasing 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while gasoline produces 161 grams per kilometer.
Climate emergency in Europe
In light of these data, it is clear that the rapid worsening of ozone and CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere requires urgent measures, making it impossible to ignore the bleak outlook of the current climate and environmental situation. The European continent is warming at twice the global average, and 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded, with a record number of extreme events (droughts, wildfires, floods) and tropical nights, resulting in an estimated economic loss of 13 billion euros.
According to the European Climate Law, which entered into force on July 29, 2021, the EU has the legal obligation to become climate neutral by 2050. The intermediate goal, to be achieved by 2030, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. Specifically, in the automotive sector, all new cars and vans sold in the EU from January 1, 2035, must be zero-emission.
The Euro 7 Regulation, which will come into force on November 29, 2026, for newly approved cars and vans (and on November 29, 2027, for all new vehicles sold), introduces stricter rules for all types of vehicles, aiming to regulate new pollutants (brake dust, tire microplastics, ammonia, and nitrous oxide). The Regulation seeks to guide Europe toward climate neutrality by reducing the nitrogen oxide limit for light-duty diesel vehicles, while for heavy-duty vehicles, nitrous oxide emissions will have to be cut by more than 50% of the current limit and particle numbers by 75%.
Moreover, while Euro 6 included no regulation for electric vehicles, Euro 7 sets minimum performance standards for battery durability.
How to face the change
The Euro 7 Standards do not apply to vehicles already in circulation but only to newly registered ones. Therefore, the purchase of a new car must take into account compliance with the Regulation, considering that with new models it will be possible to access cleaner technologies, better performance, and potential government incentives.
The future of the automotive industry
The path is now clear, but technology must deal with the resources available to create a product that is not only clean but also practical and efficient.
Electric cars: advantages and disadvantages
Currently, the most advanced technology in the sector is represented by electric cars. The adoption of electric vehicles offers undeniable advantages in terms of CO2 emissions (70% less according to the International Council on Clean Transportation) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid cars. Furthermore, electric cars have lower maintenance costs (they do not require oil changes, filters, belts, or exhaust systems) and access to low-emission zones (LEZs). In many countries, they are also supported by tax incentives. Efficiency — the percentage of energy actually used for driving — is also optimized compared to combustion engines (about 75% versus 33% for traditional vehicles).
That said, some disadvantages remain: firstly, range, which is still lower for electric cars compared to internal combustion vehicles. Another challenge is charging time, which is currently much longer than refueling with gasoline. Finally, if our choice is guided by ecological considerations, we must always keep in mind that improper disposal of batteries negates the environmental benefits of adopting electric vehicles. Once depleted, lithium batteries are taken to specialized centers. The true added value of this process lies in recycling, which in Europe is more widespread than anywhere else in the world: the recycling rate covers about half of lithium batteries after disposal. Among the projects underway are those aimed at recovering essential components such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, as well as reusing regenerated batteries for other energy applications, such as high-capacity storage systems.
Are hydrogen cars really the future?
The case is different for hydrogen cars, which face major technical challenges. Hydrogen fuel cell cars are not polluting, as they emit water vapor from the exhaust and use hydrogen to power electric motors. Refueling costs promise significant savings compared to fossil fuels, with an estimated cost of about €65 for a range of 500 km. But what hinders their spread? The challenge lies in hydrogen itself: although abundant in nature, it is not available in pure form. To make it usable, energy is required (hydrocarbons to extract it, or electrolysis). Neither producing it locally through micro-refineries nor transporting it directly from production sites seems feasible at present, due to high costs and additional pollution.
In recent years, the automotive industry has undoubtedly entered a phase of technological ferment: the rush to comply with new European standards has fueled clean technologies and pioneering attempts to chart new paths. The future is moving toward electrification, connectivity, and sustainability. The latter, more than any other, should be the primary goal of a global and shared commitment. A commitment to leave our planet not with the destructive footprint of senseless consumerism, but with a gentle, philanthropic, conscious, and constructive hand.