Brake Pad Factory Accelerates R&D Of EV & Copper-Free Products To Meet Euro 7 Requirements
Euro 7 regulation will be fully implemented from November 2026, imposing strict limits on brake particulate emissions. Pure electric vehicles need to meet a stricter emission standard of 3mg/km. Meanwhile, North America continues enforcing copper ban policies, requiring brake pad copper content below 0.5%. Traditional semi-metallic brake pads with high copper content can no longer satisfy market access requirements.
Leading brake pad factories have completed the iteration of copper-free NAO ceramic formulas in advance. Compared with conventional products, new eco-friendly brake pads feature low noise, less wheel dust, gentle braking performance and lower abrasion to brake rotors. In addition, manufacturers keep developing customized brake pads for electric vehicles. EVs rely mainly on regenerative braking; mechanical friction brakes are seldom activated, which easily causes brake disc rust and low-speed squealing. Optimized EV brake pads adopt anti-corrosion raw materials and matched damping shims to maintain stable friction after long-term parking.
Qualified brake pad factories hold complete certifications including IATF 16949 and ECE R90. Many manufacturers upgrade automated production lines covering raw material mixing, hot pressing, high-temperature curing and dynamometer testing, greatly improving batch stability and reducing defective rates.
Market analysts said stricter environmental standards accelerate industry reshuffling. Small brake pad factories lacking independent R&D capacity and international certifications are gradually losing overseas orders. Only manufacturers with mature green formulas and standardized manufacturing systems can secure long-term cooperation with global auto parts distributors.
Industry forecast shows copper-free brake pads will occupy more than 60% of China's total brake pad export volume by 2027. For brake pad factories, developing eco-friendly and EV-specific braking solutions will be the key to capturing market share in Europe and other high-standard regions.
