Fewer pollutant emissions for better air quality.
The two types of emission: CO2 output and pollutants.
Combustion engines are largely responsible for two types of emission: firstly CO2 emissions and secondly pollutant emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. The increasing CO2 in the atmosphere is blamed for global warming. A vehicle's CO2 emissions are proportional to the quantity of fuel combusted.
In order to improve the air quality – above all in cities – ambitious emissions limit values are to be adhered to in the various stages of the Euro 6 emissions standard. The focus here is predominantly on nitrogen oxide (NOx) and fine particles. Nitrogen oxides occur when nitrogen reacts with oxygen. Due to the many oxidation stages and nitrogen/oxygen compounds the nitrogen oxides are shortened to NOx. When defining the limit values for particulates, fine particulate matter, which can pass the filter mechanisms in human mucous membranes unhindered, is a major factor. The other chemical compounds for which pollutant limits must be adhered to in certification of the vehicles in accordance with the various stages of the Euro 6 emissions standard include carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC).