Can a new invention cut harmful particle emissions when cars brake?
07.05.2026, DPA
Photo: TU Chemnitz/Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU/dpa
New laws in the European Union are set to limit emissions of potentially hazardous brake dust from cars from the end of November this year and a German invention could play a major part.
Experts at the IWU machine tools section of the Fraunhofer institute in Chemnitz have come up with a stainless steel-coated brake disc which significantly reduces abrasion and particle emissions.
The new disc also lasts up to 300,000 kilometres or more than five times longer than conventional steel discs. It has been extensively tested and could easily go into production.
The environmental and health impacts of brake dust are now in the spotlight after findings that tiny particles of rubber and plastic given off by car tyres can make it into ground water and foods eaten by humans.
The brake dust issue also applies to electric cars which produce no exhaust emissions locally but still generate wear and tear on tyres and brakes. This means even electric cars will also have to meet stricter standards in future.
Particulate matter from brakes is highly dangerous to human health and is considered a primary environmental risk by the World Health Organization (WHO). The tiny particles, often invisible to the naked eye, can penetrate deep into the lungs, where they lodge and can cause long-term health effects.
From November 29, 2026, newly developed (type-approved) vehicles in the EU will have to comply with the limits.
From the end of 2027 the binding limit value will apply to all newly registered passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including models that have been on the market for some time.
The new Euro 7 standard sets such clear limits for the first time. For battery electric vehicles, only 3 milligrams per kilometre are permitted.
This is because electric vehicles, which use regenerative braking, often produce less brake dust. For all other types of powertrain, the limit is 7 milligrams per kilometre. This applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.
Conventional wheel brake systems generally fail to meet these limits, even when combined with high-quality brake pads, said the institute on its website.
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